Politics

25 Female Governorship Candidates Unveil Agenda For 2023 Poll

Published

3 years ago

December 19, 2022

Editor

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, about 25 female governorship candidates contesting on the platform of various political parties in the states, on Monday, unveiled their agenda for the poll.

They spoke at a media engagement organised by Women Radio 91.7FM in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was supported by the UN Women and Canadian government.

The governorship candidate of Action People’s Party (APP) in Delta, Annabel Cosmos, said since the inception of democracy in 1999, the men had not done enough to give the state a facelift, hence, the need for women to take up the challenge.

“They say what a man can do, a woman can do it better.

“Women should not be left at the kitchen. The kitchen is not our place; we can govern a state if given the opportunity.to serve,” she said.

She said if elected the governor, she would look into the educational, agricultural and health sectors, among others, with a view to transforming them.

Madam Roseline Chenge, the governorship candidate of Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Benue, said if elected the governor, her plan was to industrialise the state and tackle the insecurity problem besetting it

“If you are familiar with Benue State, Benue needs industrialisation with local governments in focus.

“Benue needs security and as a mother, I have come out so that as an engineer, I can engage the most modern and sophisticated technology to provide security because my people are dying,” she said.

Chenge said she was ready to also ensure food security for the state by engaging in the modern system of agriculture.

She promised to manage the state’s account in a way that would give dividends of democracy to the people.

“The men have done well but women can do a better job,” she said.

Hajia Binta Umar, the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in Jigawa, said she was vying for the position to enable her to tackle the problems facing the women and youth in the state.

“The women are always at the receiving end anytime there is one challenge or the other, likewise our young people,” she said.

She said her government would ensure that the women and youth are empowered in the state.

“We have a lot of resources and we are farmers too.

“We want to use all these resources to make life better than what it is now,” she said.

Dr Ngozika Johnson-Ogbuneke, Social Democratic Party (SDP)’s governorship candidate for Abia, said though the state is 31 years old, there had been little or nothing to show for it

“There are no infrastructure in Abia, nothing to give the people good life and when the youth of Nigeria protested back then in 2020, my heart was broken.

“When you look at what they said about the EndSARS, it applies to Abia State too.

“I felt it is time to make a difference in my fatherland,” she said.

According to her, I urge the people of the state to vote for me.

“Don’t vote for me because I am a woman, vote for me because I am a capable woman.

“I am an orthopaedic surgeon and also a human rights lawyer.

“I am coming to defend the rights of Abia people for quality education, good road; for the children to be well trained, for school teachers to have their salaries paid; pensioners have their gratuities and grants given to them and for Abia State to have an airport,” she said.

Johnson-Ogbuneke, who said he would make Abia to be an enviable state, said her plan was also to revamp the agriculture and give a better healthcare system.

The Executive Director, Women Radio, Mrs Toun Sonaiya, said if 25 women can govern 25 states in the country, “peace will come back to Nigeria.”

According to her, if not for this programme, many do not know that we have about 25 candidates contesting for governorship elections.

She urged the media to always report the female candidates positively and give them more visibility.

“Please continue to report then until something happens.

“Our women are ready and we should give them the support and encouragement,” Sonaiya urged

NAN reports that governorship candidates for the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Kwara, Doborah Jaiyeola; APM candidate for Lagos State, Funmilayo Kupoluyi, were among others at the event.

Politics

Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.

Obi made this known via his X handle.

He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.

“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

12 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”