2023 Elections: Optimism, challenges for female candidates in Borno

Some female candidates vying for various elective positions in Borno have expressed optimism about sweeping the polls in the 2023 general election.

The Supreme reports that eight political parties have fielded 16 female candidates to contest gubernatorial, national, and state assembly elections in the state.

They include the African Democratic Party (ADP), the Action Democratic Party (ADC), the Accord Party (AD), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Others include the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Alliance Party Movement (APM), and Action People's Party (APP).

The candidates who spoke on the sidelines of a meeting organized by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in Maiduguri said they were optimistic of winning the election in spite of social, economic, and cultural challenges.

Fatima Abubakar, a gubernatorial candidate on the platform of the ADP, said she joined the race to address the plight of youth and women in the state.

Abubakar, who is the only female among the 13 governorship candidates jostling for the seat in the state, said the desire to change the sordid narratives of womenfolk encouraged her to contest the election.

The governorship hopeful commended her husband and other family members for their support, adding, however, that a lack of campaign funds has been a major obstacle to her political ambition.

"The full support of my husband and parents keeps me going," Abubakar said.

Zam-Zam Abbas, a deputy governorship candidate of the ADC, said she has been contesting the election since 2007, adding, "I will not relent."

"Women need to sustain participation in politics no matter the outcome; one day we shall make it. We need confidence and perseverance to make it."

A candidate for the Borno Central senatorial seat under the ADC, Ramatu Sheriff, said she joined the race to make a difference.

"Some are criticizing my candidacy for being a married woman, but I will not be discouraged."

"I got support from my brothers, parents, and husband, who are coaching me on how to face crowds and address them confidently during campaigning," Sheriff said.

Commenting, Maryam Tijani, a senatorial candidate under the platform of AD, said she contested for the House of Representatives election in 2019.

Tijani said she joined the Borno Central Senate election to prove her perseverance and resilience.

Similarly, Aisha Adamu, who was running for the Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency election under the SDP, said she defeated four men to clinch the party's ticket.

"My ticket is a popular one. Many people know me as a humanitarian worker; they donated posters for my campaign."

"I have already campaigned in Damboa, and the outing was successful; however, some miscreants attacked me."

"I will attract more female voters in the constituency," she said.

On her part, Aisha Nyako, a candidate for Maiduguri State Constituency under the platform of YPP, promised to provide quality representation to the people if elected.

Nyako said she would work with colleagues of like minds in the legislature to sponsor a bill to address unemployment and the menace of street children in the state.

Supreme reports that the forum was attended by Hajiya Tanko Dada, APD candidate for Bama/Ngala/Kala-Balge Federal Constituency; Hauwa Abubakar, ADC candidate for Jere Federal Constituency; and Zainab Ali, Maiduguri State Constituency candidate of the APM.

Others were the APP's Aisha Abdukadir contesting for Marte State Constituency; Falmata Saidu, Rukaiya Abdullahi, and Bintu Kyari vying for Gulumba/Woloji, Dikwa, and Mobbar State Constituencies under the ADP, respectively.

while Zainab Gimba of the APC was seeking re-election for the Bama/Ngala/Kala-Balge federal constituency.