ADC Guber Candidate speaking at the occassion
Female candidates of various political parties contesting in the 2023 general election in Borno State have spoken on thier hopes and challenges.
The candidates spoke at a meeting in Maiduguri organized by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC).
Fatima Abubakar who is the only female candidates among the 12 candidates contesting for governorship position in Borno, said this was her first time of contesting and she prompted to join the race to address the plight of women and youths.
Abubakar who is contesting under African Democratic Congress (ADC) said as a former counsellor, her contacts with women and youths had enable her to appreciate their problems and the best ways to address them.
Abubakar said that she has the full support of her parents and husband to contest and remain committed to succeed, adding however that funding is her major challenge.
“I have full support of my husband and parents among others and that has keep me going,” Abubakar said.
Also speaking, Zam-Zam Abbas contesting as Deputy Governor under Action Democratic Party (ADP) said she has been participating in politics since 2007 and would not relent.
“Women need to sustain participation no matter the outcome for one day we shall make it. We need confidence and perseverance to make it,” Abbas said.
In her remarks, Ramatu Sheriff who is contesting for Borno Central Senatorial Seat s under ADC said that she joined the race to make a difference and was fully supported by her husband and relations.
“There are some critics saying what am I doing as a married woman contest in election but I am not discouraged by that.
“I got support from my brothers, parents and husband who is even coaching me on how to face crowds and address them confidently during campaign,” Sheriff said.
Also contesting for Borno Central Senatorial seat under Accord Party, Maryam Tijjani a former councillor in Limanti ward of Maiduguri Metropolitan who started politics in 1993 said in last election she contested for House of Representatives but lost and now decided to go for Senate to prove her perseverance.
Aisha Adamu contesting for House of Representatives under Social Democratic Party (SDP) for Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Constituency said she defeated four men to emerged the party candidate.
“My ticket is a popular one. Many people know me as a humanitarian worker and even supported me in printing campaign posters.
“I have already campaign in Damboa LGA and the successful outing is disturbing my opponents supporters, particularly in some political parties who sometimes attacked us.
“From all indication I will attract most women votes in the constituency,” Adamu said.
Hajiya Tanko Dada contesting for Bama/Ngala/Kala-Balge Federal Constituency under ADP and Hauwa Abubakar contesting for Jere Federal Constituency under ADC also listed support from thier families and women.
“This is my second time of contesting and I will not relent as long and my husband and family members continue to support my ambition,” Abubakar said.
Aisha Mohammed Nyako contesting for Maiduguri Metropolitan House of Assembly seat under Young Progressives Party (YPP) said the constituency has not been getting quality representation hence her decision to step into the contest to bring the needed change.
Nyako lamented the growing number of jobless youths and almajiris roaming the streets of Maiduguri which she said she intended to generate a bill to address the problem.
Zainab Ali also contesting Maiduguri Metropolitan State Assembly seat under Alliance Party Movement (APM) said she join politics to succeed her late mother who was a known politician, while Aisha Abdukadir contesting for Marte Assembly seat under Action People’s Party (APP) said she was encouraged by her father.
Others who spoke at the occassion and urged for support for women candidate to succeed in 2022 are candidates of ADP comprising Falmata Saidu the candidate for Gulumba/Woloji State Assembly, Hajiya Rukaiya Abdullahi the candidate for Dikwa State Assembly, and Bintu Kyari the candidate for Mobbar State Assembly.
Only 16 women are contesting for various positions out of the 287 candidates contesting in the forth coming 2023 General Election in Borno.
