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In 1999, Nigeria returned to democratic governance after years of military rule. Since then, the country has continued to hold elections for various elective positions, including the presidency, National Assembly seats, governorships, and state assembly seats, usually every four years.
Nigeria’s next general election is in 2027. The Presidential and National Assembly polls are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027. Elections give Nigerian citizens the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and choose the leaders they believe can shape the country’s future within a democratic system.
However, women in Nigeria were historically excluded from political participation. Women in Southern Nigeria gained voting rights in 1954, and women in Northern Nigeria gained full voting rights in 1976. Despite this progress, Nigerian politics remains largely male-dominated due to cultural barriers, financial challenges, and limited support for women within political parties. Although women make up a significant percentage of voters, they still hold less than 10 per cent of seats in the National Assembly.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, a growing number of female political figures are stepping into the spotlight. From presidential aspirants and governorship hopefuls to senatorial and state assembly contenders, these women are contributing to Nigeria’s political landscape through innovation, youth engagement, advocacy, and development.
Naija Feminists Media highlights eight women currently contesting for various political offices across Nigeria’s political landscape.
8 Women Contesting in the 2027 General Elections
- Adaobi Kate Uchegbu
Adaobi Kate Uchegbu is contesting for the presidential election, vowing to steer the country away from what she describes as decades of failed leadership and institutional decline. Her 2027 presidential bid is anchored on a message of care, reform, and national renewal, captured in her campaign positioning, “A Mother’s Care for Nigeria.”
She is not new to the political stage, having previously contested the 2017 Anambra State governorship election. A media entrepreneur and political figure, Adaobi’s renewed presidential ambition reflects her continued advocacy for reform-driven leadership and national rebuilding under the Peoples Democratic Party.
- Princess Abiodun Islamiyat Oyefusi
Princess Abiodun Islamiyat Oyefusi is contesting for the Lagos State governorship seat under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Her campaign focuses on grassroots leadership, economic growth, security, and inclusive governance. She has also contributed to political discussions by analysing the Electoral Act 2026, emphasising transparency, accountability, and voter empowerment.
She previously was the Labour Party deputy governorship candidate in Lagos State in 2019 and also contested as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Lagos East senatorial candidate. Beyond politics, she chairs the SoulLifters Foundation, an NGO focused on healthcare, education, and social support initiatives across Lagos State. Learn more about her and her campaigns.
- Modele Sarafa-Yusuf
Veteran journalist and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Modele Sarafa-Yusuf formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
Speaking on her aspiration, she noted that while electing a female governor in Nigeria would be historic, her candidacy is based on competence, experience, and leadership capacity rather than symbolism. She prides to be “the safest option,” citing her background in journalism, public administration, and both the public and private sectors.
Modele previously contested for the APC governorship ticket in 2022 but did not secure the nomination. Despite this, she remained active within the party and committed to party unity.
- Aisha Yesufu
Prominent activist and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu, has announced her intention to contest for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Known for her activism and outspoken political engagement, Aisha described her entry into partisan politics as an extension of her advocacy work rather than a departure from it.
Her decision marks her first attempt at running for public office and shows her move from activism into active politics.
- Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, declared her intention to contest for the Ogun West Senatorial District seat under the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. A UK-trained civil and public health engineer with a Master’s degree from Imperial College London, Noimot is regarded as one of the notable technocrats in Ogun politics. Since assuming office in 2019, she has played a significant role in governance and infrastructure development within the state. Learn more about her and their campaigns.
Her senatorial ambition adds to the growing number of women seeking representation at the national legislative level.
- Barrister Barakat Bakare
Barrister Barakat Odunuga Bakare has declared her intention to contest for the Surulere Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly under the APC.
She previously served as Special Adviser on Housing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where she oversaw housing reforms and real estate regulation. She holds a Law degree and a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Bedfordshire. Her declaration positions her among the women seeking stronger female representation within state legislative politics. Learn more about her and her campaigns.
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has declared her intention to seek re-election for a second term under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Her re-election bid signals continued political mobilisation within Kogi Central ahead of the 2027 elections.
Beyond politics, Natasha is a social entrepreneur and founder of the Builders Hub Impact Investment Programme and Builders Hub Foundation. In 2016, she attended the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Programme in Singapore, where she gained training in innovative and sustainable solutions to social and economic challenges. Learn more about her and her campaigns.
- Damilola Marshal
Damilola Marshal, Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared her intention to represent Surulere Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Damilola said her campaign would focus on youth representation, effective governance, and community development. She studied Law at North America University, Houdegbe in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2015. She later earned a Master of Laws degree from the University of Lagos in 2022. Her political ambition reflects the increasing involvement of younger women in governance and legislative politics.
Although women remain underrepresented in Nigerian politics, the increasing number of female aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections reflects a gradual shift in political participation and visibility. Across different political parties and regions, more women are stepping forward to contest for leadership positions, contribute to policy discussions and advocate for governance that reflects broader representation. Learn more about her and her campaigns.
