The group pushes female lawmakers as Nigeria’s next governors

Zainab Abioye

An advocacy group, She Leads Advocates, has stepped up calls for female deputy governors across Nigeria to be given priority consideration for governorship positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that they possess the experience and ability to lead.

The group argues that women who serve as lieutenant governors have gained critical governance exposure, institutional knowledge and leadership skills needed to take over from sitting governors, having played key roles in formulating and implementing policies in their respective states.

The renewed advocacy comes against a backdrop of growing visibility of female political actors within major parties, particularly in the All Progressives Congress, where a number of women are consolidating influence ahead of the next election cycle.

In Ogun State, the deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has continued to attract attention as a potential contender, with political observers citing his governing experience and growing profile within the state’s power structure.

Salako-Oyedele, an engineer and public administrator, has been described by stakeholders as a disciplined technocrat whose contributions to governance have strengthened policy execution and development outcomes in the State.

His exit from Ogun West has also revived the debate on regional balance in the state’s political equation.

Apart from Ogun, similar narratives are spreading in other states.

In Adamawa, Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta has earned praise for her combination of academic depth and administrative competence.

In Imo State, Chinyere Ekomaru has continued to expand his popular appeal through active engagement in governance, while Hadiza Balarabe of Kaduna State remains a prominent figure in public health policy and state administration.

She leads lawyers have emphasized that these women are not simply ceremonial officials but integral players in governance who have demonstrated the ability to lead at the highest levels.

…Ogun in the spotlight

The findings show that Ogun State is fast emerging as a key battleground in the push for female succession in the governorship, with multiple women gaining prominence in the political space.

Among them are Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, whose background in journalism and strategic communications has positioned her as a strong voice in governance discourse, and Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, who combines administrative experience with political legacy.

Observers say the growing number of aspiring women reflects a gradual shift towards skills-based leadership, away from entrenched political traditions.

…Invitation to succession based on merit

The advocacy group noted that the evolving political climate requires a more inclusive approach to leadership selection, urging political parties and stakeholders to prioritize merit, experience and performance.

He added that Ogun State’s history of balancing political interests across regional and religious lines provides a basis for embracing broader inclusion, including gender representation.

…Race to 2027

With political alignments starting to take shape, analysts say the call to elevate women to lieutenant governors is gaining traction, as more stakeholders begin to recognize their strategic position within government.

The group insisted that deputy governors should not be sidelined in succession planning, especially those who have demonstrated competence and loyalty in office.

As the 2027 elections approach, advocacy is reshaping the leadership debate in Nigeria, with growing expectations that tested experience and inclusive governance will play a decisive role in determining who emerges as the next crop of state governors.

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