‘Why women deputies should be considered for governor’
As Nigeria looks towards the 2027 governorship elections, a quiet yet significant shift is underway within the All-Progressives Congress (APC), according to the She Can Lead Team. Fresh insights suggest
As Nigeria looks towards the 2027 governorship elections, a quiet yet significant shift is underway within the All-Progressives Congress (APC), according to the She Can Lead Team.
Fresh insights suggest that female political leaders, particularly those with a strong track record in governance, are emerging as key contenders for governorship positions. In Ogun State, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, is fast becoming a central figure in these discussions, with her rising profile attracting attention both within political and policy circles.
Salako-Oyedele’s blend of technical expertise and governance experience makes her a formidable candidate for Ogun’s governorship race. As a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), her tenure as Deputy Governor has been marked by her disciplined leadership, clarity in policy-making, and a strong commitment to tangible, measurable progress for Ogun State. Her emergence from Ogun West has also sparked growing support for regional equity, an issue that continues to shape the political landscape of the state.
But Salako-Oyedele is not the only female leader catching the public eye. Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, a former television journalist and political figure, and Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, are also gaining significant attention as potential candidates. Sarafa-Yusuf, who previously served as Special Adviser on Information to Governor Dapo Abiodun, brings a wealth of media experience and political insight, while Obasanjo-Bello’s legacy and administrative prowess add a unique layer of influence to the emerging political conversation.
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This trend is not limited to Ogun State alone. Across Nigeria, women are stepping into governance roles with an increasing emphasis on competence, professionalism, and performance-driven leadership. In Adamawa, Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta blends academic excellence with administrative strength, while in Imo State Deputy Governor Lady Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru is earning recognition for her grassroots engagement and stability in governance. In Kaduna, Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe continues to shine through her impactful contributions to public health and policy.
Together, these women are not just supporters of governance - they are actively shaping it, reinforcing a national narrative that leadership in Nigeria is becoming more inclusive and performance-driven.
Balance, inclusion, and the politics of identity
Ogun State’s political history is characterized by a culture of inclusivity, with both Christian and Muslim governors having held office in the past. While religion may not dominate current political considerations, the state’s tradition of balancing leadership and unifying diverse groups resonates strongly with the emerging female candidates. Salako-Oyedele’s approach, which focuses on inclusivity and cross-cutting appeal, continues to strike a chord with a politically diverse electorate.
From possibility to momentum
What was once a speculative conversation is now gaining clear momentum in Ogun. The convergence of experienced female leaders, coupled with a national trend that rewards competence over patronage, is rapidly reshaping the state’s political dynamics. Salako-Oyedele’s momentum is steadily building as voters and party members alike recognize her potential as a future governor.
A defining choice ahead
As party structures take shape and political interests align, Ogun faces a defining moment. Will the state continue with familiar political patterns, or will it embrace a leadership shift driven by proven competence and forward-thinking governance?
Ogun may well be on the brink of making history in 2027, and at the center of that possibility lies a compelling question - not whether a woman can lead Ogun State, but which of these women will.
