2027: Adesanya-Davies Advocates Female Presidency, Cites Liberia, Namibia Examples

A former presidential candidate and current aspirant for the 2027 elections, Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has called for Nigeria to elect a woman as president, describing it as a “national imperative” rather than a symbolic aspiration.

In a statement titled “Women for President in Nigeria: As in Namibia and Liberia,” Adesanya-Davies said the country stands at a critical point in its democratic journey, with citizens demanding justice, equity, security, and transformative leadership.

She questioned Nigeria’s continued exclusion of women from the highest political office, noting that other African countries have demonstrated the capacity of female leadership. She cited the example of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, whose administration in Liberia restored global confidence and strengthened institutions after years of civil unrest.

Adesanya-Davies also pointed to Namibia as a recent example of political inclusiveness, where women have been elevated to top leadership positions, reinforcing the argument that competence, not gender, should determine leadership.

According to her, Nigeria risks undermining its development by sidelining women, who make up a significant portion of the population and have consistently contributed to national growth across sectors.

“The call for a woman president in 2027 is not a sentimental appeal; it is a national imperative,” she stated, emphasizing that women bring leadership qualities such as inclusiveness, collaboration, and a focus on social welfare areas like education, healthcare, and peacebuilding.

She further urged political parties to create enabling environments for female candidates to emerge, while calling on voters to prioritize competence over entrenched biases.

Adesanya-Davies said her aspiration for the presidency is not solely personal but represents a broader movement for inclusive governance and youth empowerment.

“This movement is not about replacing men; it is about partnering for progress,” she added.

She concluded that the 2027 general elections present Nigeria with an opportunity to correct longstanding gender imbalances in leadership and usher in a new era defined by vision, competence, and inclusivity.