Borno: Women in Politics Rue Challeges, optimistic for Success in 2023
Some female candidates vying for various elective positions in Borno have expressed optimism of sweeping polls in the 2023 general election.
Eight political parties have fielded 16 female candidates to contest gubernatorial, national, and state assembly elections in the state.
They include African Democratic Party (ADP), Action Democratic Party (ADC), Accord Party (AD), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and All Progressive Congress (APC).
Others include the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Alliance Party Movement (APM), and Action People’s Party (APP).
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The candidates who spoke on the sidelines of a meeting organised by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), in Maiduguri, said they were optimistic about winning the election despite 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, lack of campaign funds has been a major obstacle to her political ambition.
“The full support of my husband and parents keep me going,” Abubakar said.
Zam-Zam Abbas, a deputy governorship candidate of the ADC, said she has been contesting 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 Borno Central Senatorial seat under the ADC, Ramatu Sheriff said she joined the race to make a difference.
“Some are criticising my candidature being a married woman but I will not be discouraged.
“I got support from my brothers, parent, and husband who is coaching me on how to face crowds and address them confidently during the campaign,” Sheriff said.
Commenting, Maryam Tijani, a senatorial candidate under the platform of AD, said she contested the House of Representatives election in 2019.
Tijani said she joined the Borno Central Senatorial election to prove her perseverance and resilience.
Similarly; Aisha Adamu, contesting for 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 is successful, however, some miscreants attacked me.
“I will attract more women votes 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.
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.
