By Ndudirim Sylvia Iloka
Dr. Amina Zanna Ibrahim has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reserve the Federal Capital Territory senatorial ticket for women ahead of the 2026 elections, arguing that female voices remain largely absent in Nigeria’s Senate.
Speaking during the presentation of her manifesto to the party’s National Working Committee, the APC aspirant said deliberate political reforms are needed to improve women’s representation in governance.
“A man cannot be the voice of women. Let a woman represent women,” she said while appealing to party leaders to adopt a women-only ticket for the FCT seat.
Dr. Ibrahim, the only female aspirant in the race, said her campaign is focused on expanding opportunities for women and young people in politics. She also dismissed suggestions that she faces an uphill battle against established male politicians, pointing to her three decades of residence in the FCT and her experience in public service.
Her position received backing from APC Deputy National Women Leader, Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, who described the number of women in the Senate as alarmingly low.
According to her, only four women currently serve in the 109-member Senate, a situation she said reflects the urgent need for stronger inclusion policies.
She argued that the FCT, as the nation’s capital, could lead the way in promoting female political participation by producing a woman senator in 2026.
Hajiya Zainab also openly declared her support for female aspirants within the party, insisting that the campaign goes beyond individual ambition and represents a broader struggle for gender inclusion.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibrahim has begun consultations across wards and area councils in the FCT, mobilizing support among women and youth groups as preparations for the 2026 polls gather momentum.
