A 2027 presidential hopeful, Ada Kate Uchegbu, has renewed her call for increased women’s participation in governance, insisting that Nigeria can no longer be rebuilt by what she described as the “same recycled leadership class” that has dominated the political space for decades.
Uchegbu made the remarks during a widely watched interview on Silverbird Television’s Politics With CKN, anchored by veteran broadcaster Chris Nwandu, where she restated her determination to contest the 2027 presidential election.
According to her, Nigeria’s leadership crisis requires fresh ideas, inclusive governance and the active involvement of women, especially mothers, whom she argued play a critical role in stabilising societies.
“Nigeria is hurting. Our children are unsafe, families are struggling and the system is failing ordinary people. You cannot fix a household without the voice of the mother. Likewise, you cannot fix a nation without the input of its women,” she said.
Women Not Political Tokens Uchegbu
Uchegbu lamented what she described as the longstanding marginalisation of women in politics, noting that despite making up more than half of the country’s population, women remain severely underrepresented in elective and appointive offices.
She stressed that women are not asking for token placements but seeking space to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“When women lead, communities become safer, families thrive and national priorities shift toward people-centered governance. Nigerian women are educated, capable and resilient, yet we are still treated as political spectators. This must change,” she added.
She also called for deliberate policies to support women’s political participation, including leadership development, financial support for female aspirants and stronger safeguards against political violence, which she identified as a major deterrent to women entering the field.
‘A Mother’s Touch’ Her Case for a New Leadership Model
Uchegbu further explained the philosophy behind her presidential ambition, which she termed “A Mother’s Touch,” saying Nigeria needs leadership rooted in empathy, firmness and a strong sense of responsibility towards every citizen.
She outlined three pillars of her proposed agenda.
1. Security With Compassion
The presidential hopeful said insecurity must be treated as both a security and humanitarian crisis.
“No mother sits back while her children are slaughtered by terrorists or bandits. Nigeria needs leadership that values every life and treats insecurity as a national emergency, not a political statistic,” she said.
2. Economic Restoration and Food Security
She raised concerns about the economic hardship facing families, market women, traders and young entrepreneurs.
According to her, current conditions are eroding the dignity of millions.
“A nation that cannot feed its children is a nation in distress,” she said, stressing the need for targeted support for SMEs and vulnerable households.
3. Welfare and Social Rebuilding
Uchegbu emphasised a governance approach that prioritises family stability, youth empowerment and community welfare, saying Nigeria must rebuild from the grassroots upward.
Uchegbu’s remarks have continued to generate conversation online, with many viewers commending her boldness and others debating the feasibility of her ambition. However, she maintained that Nigeria will only progress when women are given a rightful place at the highest tables of decision-making..
