Zainab Abioye
An advocacy group, She Leads Advocates, has ramped 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 capacity to lead.
The group maintained that women serving as deputy governors have acquired critical governance exposure, institutional knowledge and leadership skills required to take over from incumbent governors, having played key roles in policy formulation and implementation in their respective states.
The renewed advocacy comes amid increasing visibility of female political actors within major parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress, where a number of women are consolidating influence ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In Ogun State, the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has continued to draw attention as a potential contender, with political observers citing her governance experience and rising 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.
Her emergence from Ogun West has also revived conversations around regional balance in the state’s political equation.
Beyond Ogun, similar narratives are playing out across other states.
In Adamawa, Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta has earned commendation for her blend of academic depth and administrative competence.
In Imo State, Chinyere Ekomaru has continued to expand her grassroots appeal through active engagement in governance, while Kaduna State’s Hadiza Balarabe remains a notable figure in public health policy and state administration.
She Leads Advocates stressed that these women are not mere ceremonial officeholders but integral actors in governance who have demonstrated the ability to lead at the highest level.
…Ogun In Spotlight
Findings show that Ogun State is fast emerging as a key battleground in the push for female governorship succession, with multiple women gaining prominence in the political space.
Among them are Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, whose background in journalism and strategic communication 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 field of female aspirants reflects a gradual shift towards competence-based leadership, away from entrenched political traditions.
…Call For Merit-Based Succession
The advocacy group noted that the evolving political climate demands a more inclusive approach to leadership selection, urging political parties and stakeholders to prioritise merit, experience and performance.
It added that Ogun State’s history of balancing political interests across regions and religious lines provides a foundation for embracing broader inclusion, including gender representation.
…Race To 2027
With political alignments beginning to take shape, analysts say the call to elevate female deputy governors is gaining traction, as more stakeholders begin to acknowledge their strategic position within government.
The group insisted that deputy governors should not be sidelined in succession planning, particularly those who have demonstrated competence and loyalty in office.
As the 2027 elections approach, the advocacy is reshaping conversations around leadership in Nigeria, with growing expectations that tested experience and inclusive governance will play a decisive role in determining who emerges as the next set of state governors.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment