At 26, Fatima Bintu Ahmad Osman is seeking to make her mark in Nigeria’s political landscape, aspiring to represent Nasarawa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the 2027 general elections.
For the young politician, the ambition goes beyond securing an elective position. She sees politics as an opportunity to contribute to community development, address pressing social challenges and ensure that the voices of ordinary people are heard in governance.
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Speaking in an interview, Fatima said her interest in politics dates back to her childhood, when she developed a desire to contribute to the development of her community, state and country.
“I have had the vision to join politics since I was young because I believe politics is the best way to contribute to the development of our communities, constituencies, states and even the nation,” she said.
She explained that her decision to contest for the House of Representatives was also informed by the constitutional age requirement for elective offices.
At 26, she meets the minimum age requirement for membership of the House of Representatives, unlike the 35-year minimum required for the Senate and governorship.
Beyond politics, Fatima is a 300-level Physics student at a university, combining her academic pursuits with preparations for the 2027 elections.
Her journey, she said, has been shaped largely by family encouragement, particularly the support of her siblings, following the loss of both parents.
The youngest in a family of 13 children, comprising seven boys and six girls, Fatima said her brothers, sisters, friends and neighbours have continued to encourage her political ambition.
She also acknowledged the influence of an uncle who introduced her to political participation and helped nurture her interest in public affairs.
Although she does not currently have a political mentor or godfather outside her family, she expressed interest in learning from experienced leaders, particularly women who have distinguished themselves in public service.
According to her, mentorship is essential to political growth, adding that a mentor does not necessarily have to be a politician but should possess good leadership qualities and positively influence society.
On her priorities if elected, Fatima identified insecurity, inadequate educational and healthcare facilities, youth unemployment and women’s empowerment as major challenges requiring urgent attention.
She said she was particularly concerned about what she described as the failure of some elected representatives to speak boldly on issues affecting their constituents at the National Assembly.
“I have many plans because everything happening in our communities and constituencies should be part of our concerns. We have insecurity, lack of education, inadequate health facilities and the need to empower our youths and women,” she said.
Fatima added that she hoped to use the legislative platform to advocate policies and initiatives that would improve the welfare and living conditions of her constituents.
On how she secured the ADP ticket, she explained that two aspirants initially indicated interest in the party’s candidacy for the constituency before a consensus arrangement was reached.
She said the arrangement resulted in the other aspirant stepping down in her favour, paving the way for her emergence as the party’s candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Expressing gratitude for the support she has received, Fatima described her political ambition as the beginning of a longer journey, insisting that her commitment to politics would not end with the forthcoming election.
She also called on women and young people, particularly in Kano State and across Nigeria, to overcome barriers to political participation and become actively involved in decisions affecting their communities.
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“Face the world, stand for our people and fight for our people. That is what we need to do. We must wake up, join politics and work together to make our nation great,” she said.
For Fatima, the 2027 general elections represent more than an opportunity to occupy a seat in the House of Representatives. They offer a chance to demonstrate that age should not discourage young people, particularly women, from pursuing leadership positions and contributing to national development.
