The Right to Run. The Reality of Inclusion.

Having the right to run for office is one thing. Having a real opportunity to get on the ballot is another.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 governorship elections, this Special Edition of our newsletter asks a critical question: Who actually gets a seat at the table of political leadership, and who is still being left out?

Drawing on a preliminary dataset of 420 governorship candidates, we examine what the numbers reveal about the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities. Beyond what the law permits, we explore the political and institutional barriers that shape who gets nominated, who makes it onto the ballot and whose leadership ambitions remain unrealised.

We also turn the spotlight on political parties and electoral institutions, asking what must change to translate the promise of inclusion into meaningful political opportunity.

Because inclusion is not just about the right to run. It is about having a fair chance to compete.