Politics

IWD: 10 Women Calling Shots In Ninth Assembly

Published

3 years ago

March 8, 2023

Editor

The participation of women in politics has always been a contentious issue in Nigeria. Consisting of about 45% of the entire population, women are underrepresented particularly in politics and governance.

The low participation and representation of women in politics and governance have continually made stakeholders call for more participation of women in politics as much as creating a safe space for women to grow into top-ranking political positions.

The Ninth Assembly which was inaugurated by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), was inaugurated on June 11, 2019, is already winding up its activities.

Out of Parliament’s 469 seats, 109 Senators, and 360 members of the House of Representatives, women only occupy 21 seats; eight in the Senate and 13 in the House of Representatives in the Ninth Assembly.

Today, March 8 set aside as International Women’s Day, an annual event that celebrates and recognises the achievements of women, this year the theme is1 #EmbraceEquity, The PUNCH celebrates women calling the shots in the Ninth Assembly.

1. Oluremi Tinubu

Senator Remi Tinubu

Oluremi Tinubu is the wife of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and the senator representing Lagos Central.

After serving as the first lady of Lagos state, she moved to the Red Chamber in 2011. Her activities and motions directly point to where her principles lie; Youths and Lagos states.

Tinubu who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications has sponsored bills like Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and Lagos State Special Economic Assistance Programme (Establishment) Bill, 2019.

2. Aishatu Dahiru

Senator Aishatu Dahiru

Aishatu Dahiru popularly known as Binani is a major voice in challenging stereotypes in politics and governance. She is the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress in Adamawa. If she wins, the March 25 poll, she would be the first elected female governor in Nigeria.

To clinch the governorship ticket of her party, Dahiru who is currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, polled 430 votes to defeat her closest contestant, Nuhu Ribadu, the pioneer Executive Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who got 288 votes.

Binanni didn’t just get there by mere coincidence but has worked her way from the bottom all through to the top. Her stint in the National Assembly dates back to the 7th National Assembly where she represented Yola North, Yola South and Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State from 2011 to 2015 in the House of Representatives, before moving to the Senate.

3. Uche Ekwenife

Uche Ekwenife

Uche Ekwenife has become a household name due to her outspokenness, and vibrancy in the National Assembly.

Ekwenife left banking as an Area manager before joining politics and became a member of the House of Representatives in 2007.

She was elected into the House to represent Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia constituency in Anambra State. A position she held for eight years; 2007 to 2015 before moving to the Red Chamber.

Although she won the Anambra Central senatorial seat in 2015, due to issues arising from switching political parties, she lost the seat to Victor Umeh. However, undaunting, Ekwenife came back to the Senate in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party.

Ekwenife who is currently the Chairman of, the Senate Committee on Science and Technology has moved quite a number of motions and sponsored some important bills including, the 1999 Constitution (Alteration) Bill 2020, Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill 2020, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion Act (Amendment) Bill 2019, Penal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

If she had got a seat in the 10th Assembly, she stood a high chance of competing for one of the principal or presiding offices.

4. Betty Apiafi

Betty Apiafi

Senator Apiafi, retired as a bank manager before going into full-time politics. Under the PDP, she served as a House of Representatives Member for Abua/Odual-Ahoada East Federal Constituency of Rivers State from 2007 to 2019 before moving to the Senate where she is currently the deputy chairman, the Senate Committee on Health and banking respectively.

Apiafi who represents Rivers West is one of the audacious and daring voices in the ninth Assembly.

She has openly declared her stance against injustice and bad governance at the plenary a couple of times. One such instance was in December when she withstood the Senate president, Ahmad Lawan and restrained him from passing the president’s N22.7tn Ways and Means Advance request.

At the peak of insecurity in Nigeria last year, Apiafi was one of the first senators to stand and chant ‘Buhari must go’ during the plenary. This action which snowballed into threatening to call for the president’s impeachment moved the defiant Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd.) to immediately tackle the security challenges in the country.

5. Biodun Olujimi

Biodun Olujimi

A former governor of Ekiti is no newbie in politics and governance. Known for her eloquence and fluent articulation as one of the women who are calling the shots in the ninth senate.

Olujimi crossed from the Executive into the legislature to represent the Ekiti South senatorial district and has remained a relevant voice for women’s emancipation in political participation and demography, by reintroducing the gender equality bill. The bill was first rejected in March 2016, when some lawmakers argued that the Nigerian Constitution was clear on the rights of all citizens whether male or female. The bill is titled, ‘Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill, 2019’.

When four gender bills were turned down by the lawmakers, Olujimi went a step further by visiting the wives of her male colleagues to help lobby their husbands to accept the gender equality bills.

It wouldn’t be a gainsay to note that Olujimi who currently heads the Senate Committee on Aviation is one of the most experienced female politicians in Nigeria.

6. Stella Oduah

Stella Oduah

Former minister of Aviation under the Goodluck Jonathan administration currently represents the people of Anambra North at the Ninth Assembly.

Known not just for her white beautiful flowing gowns, she is currently the senator with the highest number of sponsored bills. Some of her over 50 bills include the Private Hospitals Regulation Bill 2019, Marriage Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2019, Nigerian Latin Village lbadan (Est) Bill 2019, Protection of Personal Information Bill, 2019, National Religious Equity Commission (Est.etc), Bill 2019, Private Hospitals Regulation Bill, 2019, South East Development Commission (Est. etc.) Bill, 2019, Constituency Projects (Budgetary Provisions) Bill, 2019, and Integrated Rural Development Agency (Est. etc) Bill, 2019, amongst others.

She also moved a motion alongside five other Senators on the need to establish a Visionary Budget-Driven National Planning Framework for Nigeria.

7. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha

Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha is a ranking and active lawmaker in the House of Representatives.

She started her career as a lawmaker when she was first elected member of the House for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia State in 2007, and later re-elected in 2015 and 2019.

She is a top voice on the floor of the Green chamber and has sponsored bills and motions on topical and relevant national issues in the House.

Some of the bills she sponsored include, National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill 2019, the Nigerian Assets Management Agency (Establishment) Bill 2019, Payment Systems Management Bill 2019, Peoples Bank of Nigeria Act (Repeal) Bill, 2019, Psychiatric Hospitals Management Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

8. Olukemi Oluga

Olukemi Oluga

Hon Olukemi Oluga, representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State is another active lawmaker.

Having served as Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture under the administration of Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State. She joined the parliament in 2019.

She’s currently the Chairman, House Committee on Women in Parliament and has continued to project issues on women and youths.

Some of her bills include the Women’s Representation in Legislative Houses Bill, 2020; Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB. 796); Federal College of Education, Gbongan (Establishment) Bill, 2020 and Bill on Price Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

9. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe

Tolulope Akande-Sadipe

She is also another brilliant active voice in the Ninth parliament particularly for her tough stance while engaging the executive during committee meetings

She was elected as the representative for Oluyole federal constituency, Oyo State at the 2019 general election and currently chairs the House Committee on Diaspora.

Sadipe is not to toy with when highlighting women who have been consistent in the fight against human trafficking, organ trafficking and maltreatment of Nigerians in the Diaspora

She moved some motions including that on the need to release abused Nigerian women in Lebanon prevented from returning home, amendment of a motion to tackle sexual harassment of children and minors, Amendment of a motion on the issue of insecurity in Zamfara State to be all-inclusive across the nation. Other legislative interventions by Sadipe include her contribution at plenary on the Issue of Xenophobia, where she urged the federal government to create additional airlifting opportunities to evacuate Nigerian citizens, who are stranded in South Africa.

10. Blessing Onuh

Blessing Onuh

Onuh is the daughter of former Senate President David Mark, who defeated her uncle Johnson Egli Ahubi to become the representative for the Otupo/Ohimini federal constituency in Benue State in 2019.

As a lawmaker in the Ninth House, she has sponsored some motions including one on the need to tackle the assault and rape of minors and a motion on the urgent need to investigate the abandonment of Ahmadu Bello way (federal road) in Otukpo, federal constituency, Benue State.
PUNCH

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Politics

Court Declines Kachikwu’s Motion Against INEC, ADC Leaders

Published

1 day ago

October 3, 2025

Editor

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declined to hear an application filed by the African Democratic Congress’ 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, against the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, refused to entertain the motion.

Kachikwu, through his counsel, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), had sought an order compelling INEC to withdraw the publication of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary of the ADC, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

INEC had recently recognised Mark, a former Senate President, and Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State, as the party’s national chairman and national secretary.

On July 7, Kachikwu and four others – Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala, and Alaku Godwin William – filed an originating summons challenging the recognition of the duo.

The suit lists INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, and Aregbesola as the first to fifth defendants.

When the matter was called on Friday, Akinlaja told the court that a motion dated September 19 had been filed. He argued that despite the pendency of the suit, INEC went ahead to recognise Mark and Aregbesola as party leaders.

The plaintiffs asked the court to set aside the recognition and publication of their names, describing it as a breach of the doctrine of lis pendens. They also sought an injunction restraining Nwosu, Mark, and Aregbesola from further relating with INEC as ADC’s national officers.

However, counsel for the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), along with other defence lawyers, opposed the application.

After hearing arguments, Justice Omotosho declined to entertain the motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025.

He said, “This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage, whether done before or now. This is a political case. I am not taking any interlocutory matter.”

The judge held that all processes filed by the parties, including preliminary objections, would be taken together with the substantive case.

Despite repeated pleas by Akinlaja for the motion to be heard, the court stood its ground.

Justice Omotosho also granted an application for joinder filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the ADC deputy national secretary, and ordered that his name be added as a defendant.

He directed the plaintiffs to file the amended processes within 48 working hours and gave the defence seven days to respond. The case was adjourned till October 23 for hearing.

Politics

Fubara Sacks Commissioners, Others

Published

2 days ago

October 2, 2025

Editor

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked all commissioners and other public office holders serving in his administration.

The decision, according to a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, takes immediate effect and followed the recent Supreme Court judgment.

The governor, during a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at Government House, Port Harcourt, thanked the outgoing officials for their services and contributions to the state’s development over the past two years.

The statement read in part, “Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

“The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.

“Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.”

Fubara also reiterated his commitment to serve the state “with renewed vigour,” while expressing gratitude to Rivers people for their support and wishing Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

Recall that the immediate past administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), upon assumption of office during the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, suspended all commissioners, special advisers, and assistants appointed by Fubara. Ibas also dissolved boards and suspended heads of parastatals he met in office.

Since Ibas exited the state on September 18, the fate of Fubara’s appointees had remained uncertain. The Rivers State House of Assembly, at its first sitting after the lifting of the emergency rule, had called on the governor to submit a fresh list of commissioner-nominees for screening, alongside the 2025 budget for passage.

Politics

2027: Crisis Rocks Kaduna ADC Over Power Tussle

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2025

Editor

The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is enmeshed in crisis as a fierce power struggle among leading figures threatens the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

ADC stalwart, Malam Salihu Lukman, raised the alarm on Wednesday, warning that the party may not make a meaningful impact at the polls if the internal rift persists.

In a statement, Lukman alleged that some party leaders have aligned with certain aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections to the exclusion of others.

He called on former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Malam Jaafaru Sani, Alhaji Bashir Saidu, and other opposition leaders in the state to halt what he described as “the madness” of candidates bent on hijacking party structures.

According to him, “anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for the APC.”

Expressing concern over the infighting, Lukman said his efforts to mediate had largely failed.

“The fact that Senator Musa Bello is aggressively seeking to control structures of ADC in Zone 2 is a reflection of my failure, largely because I am associated with him.

“Senator Lawal Adamu (Mr. La) has avoided all my requests to meet him. I have met Malam Jaafaru Sani on this matter and had discussions with Malam Nasir. Sadly, we are not united, and the perception is that I am part of the problem.”

Lukman stressed that he has no political ambition but remains committed to building a united front. “As a citizen from Kaduna State, I am willing to make every necessary sacrifice to move our state forward. Without sounding immodest, I made every sacrifice to contribute to forming the coalition and negotiating the agreement with ADC.

“May I therefore appeal to Malam Nasir and all our leaders to please seek to unite us. It is only if we are united in ADC that we can unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027. We must bear in mind that it is not just about defeating APC but about producing a government controlled by our party based on collective leadership.

“We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as governors. Anything short of a government managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.”