Like most things in Nigerian politics, the presidential seat has been the exclusive plaything of one gender. Since the country’s independence from colonial rule in 1960, the top seat has been warmed only by men.
Nigerian women haven’t even made a lot of appearances on the ballot, but this has been changing in recent elections. In 2019, a record-breaking six women made it to the ballot for the presidential election contested by 73 candidates.
For the 2023 presidential election, the women listed below fancy their chances at the polls; they just have to win their party’s primary elections first.
Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi
Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi was the first woman to declare her interest in the 2023 presidential election. The 38-year-old media personality is running on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Benedicta Egbo
Benedicta Egbo is a Professor of Education based in Canada who has also thrown her hat in the ring for the 2023 presidential election. She believes she’s capable of cleaning up the mess made by past presidents. She also thinks Nigerians deserve an apology from those leaders. We agree.
Uju Ohanenye
Uju Ohanenye is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where nomination forms cost an arm and a leg. She’s described herself as an advocate for the commoners and occasionally attacked the male leaders that have failed the country. “I want to make a difference The men have lost it, so I’m on board because Nigerians need a mother,” the businesswoman said in an interview.
Ify Oforkansi
Ify Oforkansi has a nine-point agenda for Nigeria if she becomes the country’s first female president. The agenda of the aspirant of the African Democratic Party (ADP) focuses on education, power reform, unemployment, insecurity and mechanised agriculture.
Caro Nwosu
Caro Nwosu is an aspirant running on the platform of the African Action Congress (AAC) and preaching unity
ALSO READ: The Wildest Sob Stories Ever by Nigerian Politicians
Ibinabo Joy Dokubo
Ibinabo Joy Dokubo wants to build on APC’s legacy if she wins the party’s ticket to contest at the polls in 2023. Education and security are top on the list of her priorities if she’s elected president.
Angela Johnson
Angela Johnson is confident she’ll become Nigeria’s first female president because, apparently, God has spoken to her and assured her of victory. The aspirant has promised to prioritise job creation for the youth and also focus on empowering women.
Patience Ndidi Key
If she becomes Nigeria’s first female president, Patience Ndidi Key plans to overhaul the country. The aspirant of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) was inspired to run due to the country’s economic and security challenges. Her three-point agenda is based on peace, equity, and wealth creation.
Olivia Diana Teriela
There’s very little known about Olivia Diana Teriela but she’s bought the nomination forms of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to get on the ballot for the 2023 presidential election.
Nonye Ezeanyaeche
Nonye Ezeanyaeche raised quite a few eyebrows when she announced her intention to contest the 2023 presidential election. The widespread interest in her aspiration is down to the fact that she’s 102 years old. If she wins, she’d not only become Nigeria’s first female president but the country’s oldest leader by more than 20 years. She believes she can handle the demands of the job because, in her own words, “Energy is God-given.”
Unlike in 2019 when there were dozens of political parties nominating candidates, only 18 parties are allowed to contest in 2023. This means it’s unlikely the number of women that will make it to the ballot will surpass the last election.
ALSO READ: Time Is Running Out for You to Register for Your PVC
