Expert Backs Women Candidates Ahead Of 2027

A girls’ education advocate and founder of the Onimisi Onono Foundation, Onono Onimisi Arafatu, has urged Nigerian women to take their rightful place in leadership alongside men, insisting that the country’s future depends on inclusive governance.

Onimisi made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, stressing the need for greater female participation in politics and national development.

She declared that she would no longer remain on the sidelines as the 2027 political cycle approaches, pledging to actively promote women’s voices and leadership across Nigeria.

“By 2027, I will not remain a bystander. I will use every platform at my disposal to advocate for women, celebrate their achievements, and ensure they have a voice in shaping the future of our nation,” she said.

According to her, Nigeria’s long-desired progress can only be achieved when women and men share leadership responsibilities.

“For if we truly desire the progress we long for, it will be realised only when women lead alongside men—because the future of Nigeria may very well rest in their capable hands,” she added.

The advocate further revealed a personal commitment to support female candidates in elections.

“Come 2027, I have made a personal commitment: whenever a man and a woman contest for any position in Nigeria, I will use my platform to support the woman candidate.

“This is not merely a political stance—it is a reflection of a deep conviction that the progress of our nation depends on the inclusion and leadership of women,” she stated.

Onimisi lamented that women remain largely underrepresented in the corridors of power despite their significant contributions across sectors.

She, however, pointed out that Nigerian women have consistently demonstrated capacity and competence to lead at the highest levels.

She cited the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as well as renowned writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as examples of Nigerian women making a global impact.

She also mentioned prominent figures such as Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Senator Stella Oduah and Senator Natasha Akpoti, noting that their achievements underscore the leadership potential of Nigerian women.

“These examples are not exceptions; they are proof that when women are given the opportunity, they excel, innovate and inspire,” she said.

Onimisi emphasised that supporting women in leadership should not be seen as charity but as a national necessity.

“Equality in representation strengthens democracy, enhances governance, and drives sustainable progress,” she added.