Nigeria has a complicated political system with many different ethnic groups. Since gaining independence in 1960, the country has experienced military rule and democratic governance, with the current civilian democracy starting in 1999. However, Women in Nigeria face challenges in politics, despite constitutional guarantees for equality.
Although a law was passed in 2015 to protect women’s rights, many still struggle with limited political participation and high rates of violence. In 2022, a proposed constitutional amendment for women’s representation in government was rejected.
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Who Are The Top 10 Most Popular Female Politicians In Nigeria?
Name | Position | Political Party | State/Constituency |
|---|---|---|---|
Ireti Heebah Kingibe | Senator | Labour Party | Federal Capital Territory (FCT) |
Ipalibo Harry Banigo | Senator | Peoples Democratic Party | Rivers State |
Idiat Oluranti Adebule | Senator | All Progressives Congress | Lagos West |
Beni Butmak Lar | Member of the House of Representatives | Peoples Democratic Party | Langtang North/Langtang South |
Khadija Bukar Abba-Ibrahim | Member of the House of Representatives | All Progressives Congress | Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani/Tarmuwa |
Gwacham Maureen Chime | Member of the House of Representatives | Young Progressive Party | Oyi/Ayamelum |
Fatima Talba | Member of the House of Representatives | All Progressives Congress | Nangre/Potiskum |
Comfort Ojoma Nwuchola | Member of the House of Representatives | All Progressives Congress | Ibaji |
Mojisola Lasbat Merranda | Member of the House of Representatives | All Progressives Congress | Apapa |
Nnabuife Chinwe Clara | Member of the House of Representatives | Young Progressive Party | Orumba North/Orumba South |
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1. Ireti Heebah Kingibe
Ireti Heebah Kingibe was born on June 2, 1954, in Kano State. She is a civil engineer and politician who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Nigerian Senate as a member of the Labour Party.
Kingibe made history as the first woman to represent the FCT in the Senate after winning her seat in the 2023 elections. Ireti started her education at Emotan Preparatory School and then attended Queen’s College in Lagos.
She earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota, and before entering politics in 1990, she was a Quality Control Engineer.
Kingibe has been involved with several political parties and focuses on addressing infrastructure issues and advocating for women’s rights.
2. Ipalibo Harry Banigo
Ipalibo Harry Banigo is a senator representing Rivers State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She comes from a politically active family and was elected to the Senate in 2015.
Banigo has a degree in Medicine from the University of Port Harcourt and worked as a medical doctor before joining politics. Banigo advocates for healthcare reform, women’s rights, and youth development.
She has sponsored bills to improve healthcare access and address gender-based violence. Aside from legislation, she engages with her community through health awareness programs.
3. Idiat Oluranti Adebule
Idiat Oluranti Adebule is a senator representing Lagos West under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Born on November 1, 1968, and became a senator in 2023. Also, she served as the Deputy Governor of Lagos State from 2015 to 2023.
She has multiple degrees, including one from the University of Lagos. However, Adebule focuses on improving educational infrastructure and access to quality education.
She advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment in schools. Adebule also participates in community development projects to improve living standards.
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4. Beni Butmak Lar
Beni Butmak Lar is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Langtang North/Langtang South under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Lar has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Jos and worked in NGOs before starting her political career.
In the House, Lar focuses on issues like poverty alleviation, healthcare access, and education reform. She is committed to empowering women and supports initiatives to increase their participation in politics.
5. Khadija Bukar Abba-Ibrahim
Khadija Bukar Abba-Ibrahim, born on January 6, 1967, is a well-known politician representing the Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani/Tarmuwa constituency in the House of Representatives. She is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has been elected multiple times since 2007.
From 2015 to 2019, she served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Abba-Ibrahim studied at Queens College in Lagos and Headington School in the UK, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Science.
6. Gwacham Maureen Chime
Gwacham Maureen Chime is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Oyi/Ayamelum under the Young Progressive Party (YPP). Coming from a business-oriented family, she has made notable impacts in politics since her election.
Chime has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and before she began her political career, she was an entrepreneur and engaged in community service, focusing on women and children. As a legislator, she emphasizes economic empowerment, healthcare, and education reform.
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7. Fatima Talba
Fatima Talba, born in 1959, represents Nangere/Potiskum in the House of Representatives under the APC. She has previously run for a senatorial seat.
Talba is dedicated to philanthropy, offering educational scholarships and support to those in need. She focuses on education, healthcare, and women’s rights, advocating for policies that promote gender equality.
8. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchola
Comfort Ojoma Nwuchola represents the Ibaji constituency in the House of Representatives under the APC. Before politics, she was involved in community development, focusing on healthcare and women’s empowerment.
In the House, she advocates for better infrastructure, healthcare services, and educational opportunities. Nwuchola is passionate about empowering women and often organizes outreach programs on women’s rights and health.
9. Mojisola Lasbat Merranda
Mojisola Lasbat Merranda serves as a member of the House of Representatives for Apapa under the APC. Born on April 22, 1980, she comes from a politically active family and was elected in 2023.
Merranda holds degrees in Political Science and Public Administration. She has also worked with NGOs focused on social justice. Merranda prioritizes urban issues like transportation, waste management, and housing.
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10. Nnabuife Chinwe Clara
Nnabuife Chinwe Clara represents Orumba North/Orumba South in the House of Representatives under the Young Progressive Party (YPP). Born in 1971 in Anambra State, she is a strong advocate for youth empowerment and women’s rights.
Clara holds an HND in Mass Communication and began her career with Abuja Municipal Area Council. As a legislator, she focuses on education reform, healthcare access, and youth initiatives.
Clara is dedicated to empowering young people through education and vocational training. She also works on committees to improve social welfare policies in Nigeria.