Sola Popoola
As political parties finalize lists for the 2027 elections, broadcaster and gender equity advocate, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, has made a direct appeal to governors and party chairmen to back women for governorship and deputy positions.
In an open letter to political leaders, Sonaiya said the names submitted to INEC in the coming days will decide the country’s direction on representation for the next four years.
The advocate for equity and fairness warned that the next few days will determine whether Nigeria “takes a giant step toward balance” or asks “half our population to wait until 2031.”
“Primaries are over. In the next few days, the names you send to INEC will decide if Nigeria takes a giant step toward balance, or if we tell half our population to wait until 2031,” she wrote. “I’m humbly appealing to you as leaders with the power to change this: back women to lead and to win in 2027. History never forgets.”
Sonaiya grounded her appeal in data, noting that women make up 49.7% of Nigeria’s population — over 108 million people — and form the backbone of the economy and civic life.
“We are the ones who queue under the sun and rain to vote. We are 60% of the informal market economy. We run 41% of micro-businesses. We keep our dear Nigeria alive — in our markets, schools, hospitals and homes,” she said.
Citing research on governance outcomes, she argued that female leadership delivers tangible results. “When a woman leads, the data is clear: the whole family rises. Health budgets go up. Maternal deaths go down. Children, especially girls, stay in school longer. Money reaches communities, not just contracts.”
She pointed to the 9 female Deputy Governors currently serving as proof that “women don’t just fill seats — they shift priorities.”
The advocate held up Kwara State as a model of intentional inclusion. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, she noted, appointed 56.25% women in his first cabinet — the first female-majority cabinet in Africa — and moved to a 50-50 cabinet in his second term.
“He signed a law mandating 35% gender inclusion in all appointments and he led by example through implementation,” Sonaiya said. “Kwara is also home to Nigeria’s youngest female state lawmaker and the youngest Commissioner in Nigeria, who is also female. That intentionality changed the face of leadership in Kwara.”
Sonaiya laid out three immediate actions for governors and party chairmen ahead of 2027:
She urged them to back the women on your governorship ballot.”They are not placeholders or ‘party loyalty’ candidates. They are ready and they can win — if you give them your full political machinery and financial support. Release funds early. Show up at their rallies. Put them on your billboards. Don’t let them run alone.”
“If you as Governor are a man, pick a woman as Deputy. No law stops you. No tradition binds you. It’s the right thing to do and it’s smart politics. Women voters will reward you. Young people will believe you. History will record you.”
She called for support for the Special Seats Bill for women and proposed an electoral college as a temporary measure. She also urged leaders to appeal to the House of Representatives and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to consider an Executive Order before 2027 to guarantee minimum representation.
“Nothing is impossible in Nigeria. Something has to give. These temporary measures are the bridge to fairness.”
Sonaiya thanked governors and candidates who have already chosen women as running mates for 2027, saying they are “showing Nigeria what balanced leadership looks like.”
“To those still deciding: the country is watching. Voters are watching. The world is watching. This is your legacy moment,” she said.
“In 20 years, your children and grandchildren will either say you opened the door, or that you held it shut. I hope your name will be written in our history as one who chose an equitable Nigeria.”