Breaking Barriers: Meet the Two Women Challenging Nigeria’s Political Heavyweights in 2027

As Nigeria prepares for the January 16, 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially cleared 18 presidential candidates.

Among the familiar political giants, including President Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), and Peter Obi (NDC), stand two courageous women who are determined to reshape the nation’s political landscape.

Out of 36 principal candidates and running mates across all parties, Ada Okwori and Esther Nkem Okereke are the only two women leading a presidential ticket. Here is a closer look at these two standard-bearers, their vision, and what their candidacies mean for the future of Nigerian governance.

1. Ada Okwori (National Democratic Party – NDP)

At 48 years old, Ada Okwori is a fierce political trailblazer from Benue State. An Idoma woman by heritage, Okwori is not just the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Party (NDP)—she is also its founder and National Chairman.

Candidate Profile: Ada Okwori
• Party: National Democratic Party (NDP)
• Age: 48
• Origin: Benue State
• Running Mate: Uchenna Anthony Chukwuemeka (48)

The Journey to the Ballot

Okwori’s journey to the 2027 ticket was built on persistence. After INEC initially rejected the registration of the NDP, Okwori took the matter to the Federal High Court. The court ruled in her favor, compelling INEC to officially register the party in March 2026. She later secured her candidate ticket through a consensus arrangement at the party’s primary.

Key Policy Commitments

• 40% Gender Quota: Okwori believes in structural inclusion, pledging a minimum 40% quota for women across party executive structures and electoral candidate lists.

• 15% Budgetary Allocation to Education: Pledges a massive direct investment to rebuild Nigeria’s public education system.

• No Political Godfathers: Okwori built the NDP to serve as a clean political platform free from traditional political godfathers.

“NDP will not be a platform for godfathers,” Okwori emphasized during a national interview, highlighting her desire for grassroots democracy.

2. Esther Nkem Okereke (National Rescue Movement – NRM)

Esther Nkem Okereke, 43, represents a modern blend of creative media experience and grassroots humanitarian work. A former Nollywood actress turned politician, Okereke was chosen as the NRM candidate by consensus at the party’s convention in Abuja.

Candidate Profile: Esther Nkem Okereke
• Party: National Rescue Movement (NRM)
• Age: 43
• Background: Former Nollywood Actress & Philanthropist
• Running Mate: Nasir Muhammed Sulaiman (35)

The Inspiration Behind Her Campaign

Okereke’s transition into politics stems from her firsthand experience running a charitable foundation without external grants or government support. Recognizing that social work could only go so far, she realized that fixing Nigeria’s systemic issues required change from the top down.

The “ESTHER Agenda”

Okereke’s campaign centers on a comprehensive framework known as the ESTHER Agenda, which targets six vital pillars:

• Education

• Security

• Technology

• Housing

• Entrepreneurship

• Restitution

Focusing on emergency interventions in education and power supply, Okereke believes Nigeria’s democracy requires immediate intervention to stop the spread of poverty and insecurity.

“Our democracy is bleeding,” Okereke noted. “Women shouldn’t see themselves as marginalized; we must simply stop being scared to come out and lead.”

Where Are the Other Women on the 2027 Ballot?

While Okwori and Okereke are the only female presidential candidates, four other women are contesting as vice-presidential candidates:

Together, these six women represent 16.7% of the total 36 individuals running for the executive presidency and vice-presidency.

While this falls short of the long-demanded 35% affirmative action advocated by Nigerian civil society groups, the presence of Okwori and Okereke at the top of the ballot marks a major milestone in pushing for equitable representation.

The Road to January 2027

As campaign season heats up, all eyes will be on how Okwori and Okereke navigate the intense political climate dominated by legacy politicians.

Win or lose, both candidates are sending a clear message to millions of Nigerian women and young citizens: leadership is taken, not given.

What do you think about female representation in the 2027 elections? Share your thoughts in the comments below!