Top 10 Female Political Leaders in Nigerian History

In ancient times, men were seen as the sole rulers of society while women remained in the kitchen focusing on household matters. This patriarchal domination did not leave Nigeria out as men dominated most of the sectors of Nigeria’s economy. With the progression of time, women have pushed beyond the kitchen walls. They have expressed their interests laced with laudable achievements in Nigerian politics. In Nigeria, the representation of women in politics is still low, as their population outweighs the men. Notably, these women have shown interest and, through their activism, have risen to take on political offices in Nigeria to right the wrongs in society. This article reveals the Top 10 female political leaders in Nigerian History.

1. Oluremi Tinubu

Oluremi “Remi” Tinubu is the wife of the current President of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu. She was born on September 21, 1960. She is a Nigerian politician and current First Lady of Nigeria. Tinubu. During her tenure as First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, she established the New Era Foundation, focusing on youth development and environmental awareness. Serving as a senator for Lagos Central Senatorial District from 2011 to 2023, she prioritized human capital investment. Her Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Scheme, in collaboration with GBGES, benefited 1,172 individuals, with 164 youths receiving skill training and startup capital. She is affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.

2. Daisy Danjuma

Another woman who made it to the list is Daisy Ehanire Danjuma. Daisy was born on the 6th of August 1952 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. She was elected as a senator to represent the Edo South constituency of Edo State at the Nigerian National Assembly from 2003 to 2007 under the Action Congress Party (AC). Daisy Danjuma was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth Development. She was also a member of several Senate Committees, including those on Health, Education, Finance, and Land Transport. As a Nigerian senator,  Daisy Danjuma became a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). Additionally, she served as the Chairman of the Women and Child Rights Committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.

3. Betta Edu

Betta Edu is one of the youngest ministers in Nigeria. She is a Nigerian Politician born on the 27th of October 1986. Her educational background in medicine played out in her political life. In 2015, Edu became the youngest person appointed as Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Benedict Ayade, on Community and Primary Healthcare. During her term in office, she expressed active involvement in women’s empowerment. In 2023, she was given an Award of Excellence in Leadership for gender inclusion and women empowerment.

4. Patience Jonathan

Patience Faka Jonathan was born October 25, 1957, in Port Harcourt Rivers state of Nigeria. She is married to the former President and Vice President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. She was popular for her special way of speaking humorously on various platforms. Patience is a Nigerian civil servant who held the position of First Lady of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 and Second Lady of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. Before her role as First Lady, she served as a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State.

5. Abike Dabiri

Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa was born on 10 October 1962. She is a prominent female Nigerian politician known for her dedication to public service. She has held various roles, including serving as a member of the Nigerian National Assembly and currently as the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). Abike Dabiri was a former member of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Constituency in Lagos State. She has been a vocal advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

6. Aisha Buhari

Aisha Halilu Buhari was born on 17 February 1971, in Adamawa State. She is the wife of former President Muhammadu Buhari. while she was the First Lady of Nigeria(2015-2023), she played a significant role in advocating for women’s rights, healthcare, and education. Aisha Buhari is actively involved in various charitable initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly women and children.

7. Amina Mohammed

Amina  Jane Mohammed, born on June 27, 1961, in Kaduna, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian politician. She has held significant roles, including serving as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment from 2015 to 2016. Currently, she is the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, where she focuses on global development issues and sustainable development goals.

8. Diezani Alison Madueke

Diezani Alison-Madueke is another notable female politician to talk about. She is the first female President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC. Diehe was born on December 6, 1960, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. She served as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, becoming the first woman to hold that position. Alison-Madueke played a significant role in the oil and gas sector during her tenure. Currently, she is facing legal issues and investigations related to corruption allegations.

9. Gbemisola Saraki

Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki was born on May 3, 1965, in Lagos, Nigeria. She served as the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development of Nigeria from 6 July 2022 till 29th May 2023. Gbemisola Saraki has held various roles, including the Minister of State for Transportation. She is still active in Nigerian politics, focusing on transportation and development issues.

10. Stella Chinyelu Okoli

Stella Chinyelu Okoli, born on November 22, 1944, in Kano, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian figure in both business and politics. She is renowned for her entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, where she founded Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. While not directly involved in politics, Okoli has contributed significantly to societal development through her business endeavors, creating employment opportunities and promoting healthcare access. Today, she continues to lead Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, contributing to the economic growth and well-being of Nigeria.

You can also read:

5 Nigerian Politicians Who Married Wives Outside Their Religion

Top 20 Richest Politicians in Nigeria [2024]

Top 10 Most Powerful Political Offices In Nigeria