She Leads Advocates push for female deputy governors as next governors in Nigeria

An advocacy group, She Leads Advocates, has intensified calls for female deputy governors across Nigeria to be given a fair opportunity to ascend to governorship positions as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Penpushing reports that the group in a statement argues that women who have served as deputy governors possess the requisite experience, institutional knowledge and leadership capacity to assume the top office, having already played critical roles in governance and policy execution within their respective states.

This advocacy comes amid growing national attention on a new generation of female political leaders steadily gaining prominence within party structures, particularly in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Penpushing further reports that among those at the forefront is Ogun State’s Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, whose rising political profile continues to attract significant interest across political and policy circles.

The statement stated that Salako-Oyedele with a strong background in engineering and public administration, represents a blend of technical expertise and governance experience, adding that her tenure has been marked by disciplined leadership, strategic policy input and a focus on measurable development outcomes.

Penpushing also reports that the group added that Salako-Oyedele as a prominent figure from Ogun West, her potential candidacy is equally reinforcing ongoing conversations around regional balance and equity within the state.

The statement added that beyond Ogun state, the advocacy resonates across other states where female deputy governors have demonstrated competence and stability in office.

Penpushing reports that the group added that in Adamawa State, Kaletapwa George Farauta has earned recognition for combining academic depth with administrative effectiveness, stressing that in Imo State, Chinyere Ekomaru continues to build influence through grassroots engagement and governance support, while Kaduna’s Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe remains a strong voice in public health and policy leadership.

The statement said the body pointed out that these women are not merely symbolic figures but active contributors to governance who have demonstrated the capacity to lead at the highest level.

Penpushing further reports that the advocate group explained that this position is equally reinforced by developments in Ogun State, which is fast becoming a focal point in the evolving national conversation.

The statement said Salako-Oyedele’s positioning as a leading contender reflects both her track record and her ability to navigate the state’s complex political terrain, emphasizing that she is, however, not alone.

Penpushing also reports that it added that other notable female figures are equally gaining traction, which include Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, with her extensive background in journalism and public communication, brings a strategic media and governance perspective, while Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello adds a distinctive blend of administrative experience and legacy influence to the unfolding political landscape.

The statement said taken together, these developments reflect a gradual shift from traditional political expectations towards a more competence-driven leadership model, where experience and performance are increasingly central to political consideration.

Penpushing reports that it noted that Ogun State’s political history itself reflects a longstanding culture of inclusivity and balance, adding that over the decades, the state has experienced leadership across religious and regional lines, reinforcing a tradition of diversity in governance.

The statement stated that while religion is not central to current political calculations, the emphasis on fairness, representation and unity continues to shape public expectations, stressing that within this context, the emergence of credible female candidates aligns with a broader demand for inclusive and progressive leadership.

‘What began as a call for gender inclusion is steadily evolving into a broader movement centred on competence, performance and readiness for leadership. She Leads Advocates maintains that deputy governors, particularly women, should not be overlooked in succession planning, given their direct involvement in governance’, the group said.

‘In Ogun and beyond, this momentum is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Political stakeholders and party leaders are beginning to reckon with a shifting narrative that places experience and results above entrenched political patterns’, the statement read.

‘As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of 2027, the question is no longer whether women are capable of leading at the highest level. Rather, attention is turning to which of these experienced female leaders will be given the platform to step forward’, it added.

‘For Ogun State, and indeed Nigeria, the next electoral cycle may well mark a turning point in which advocacy, opportunity and proven leadership converge to redefine the future of governance’.

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