Three women standing for 2027 Presidency: ‘Why we want to succeed Tinubu’ – Okereke, Zugwai-Chukwu, Fredrick
Three Women to Challenge Tinubu in 2027 Presidential Election
By Clifford Ndujihe, Politics Editor
With the conclusion of primary elections, three women have secured nominations as presidential candidates, aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
While 18 candidates are in the running for the presidency, only 14 parties are officially participating, with several parties having factional candidates. The presence of three female candidates—representing 21.43 percent of the remaining candidates—marks a historic high for women in Nigeria’s presidential elections.
In comparison, six female candidates participated in the 2019 election, accounting for only 8.22 percent of the 73 total candidates.
The three candidates for the January 16, 2027 election are Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke from the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Mrs. Anita Zugwai-Chukwu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Ada Fredrick of the National Democratic Party (NDP). The candidates are optimistic about improving upon the past performance of women in presidential elections, which peaked in 2003 when Mrs. Sarah Jubril garnered 157,560 votes—the highest total for a female candidate to date.
Historically, women’s participation in presidential elections has fluctuated. In 1999, there were only two candidates, neither of whom were women. The situation improved in 2003 with two female candidates, but subsequent elections saw declines. In 2007, only one woman participated, and again in 2011, just one female candidate was registered among 20 candidates. The trend continued with Mrs. Oluremi Sonaiya as the only female in a field of 14 candidates in 2015, and in 2019, female representation rose to six candidates—yet their overall performance was still modest.
In 2023, only one woman contested among 18 candidates, receiving 10,613 votes. This year’s election outcomes will determine whether female candidates can surpass previous records.
In their acceptance speeches, Okereke, Zugwai-Chukwu, and Frederick expressed their commitment to effecting positive change within Nigeria.
Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke described her candidacy as a “sacred assignment,” emphasizing the need to address economic challenges, poverty, and insecurity that many Nigerians face. She called for a shift in political culture from a power struggle to a focus on service delivery.
Anita Zugwai-Chukwu, who was endorsed by her party following extensive consultations, pledged to provide a transparent and progressive leadership. She stated her dedication to the party’s growth and the needs of the Nigerian people.
Ada Fredrick highlighted the need for empathetic leadership in her vision for Nigeria. She stressed the importance of women’s voices in politics and called for collaboration to fulfill the promises outlined in her party’s manifesto.
These candidates will face not only President Tinubu but also several male opponents, including former Vice Presidents and Governors from various political parties, setting the stage for a competitive election.
As the countdown to the 2027 presidential election begins, the performance of these candidates may shape the future of women’s political representation in Nigeria.
