I’m running to inspire every girl, woman who dares to dream in politics – Sarah Ivie Adidi

By Stanley Onyekwere

As the race for the 2027 general election heats up, legislative aspirant, Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi, has said her decision to run for the House of Representatives seat for AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, FCT, is rooted in a desire to inspire and encourage young women and girls who aspire to enter politics but feel discouraged.

Adidi said that if she can do it through her belief in and commitment to inclusive leadership and equal representation, then anyone else can do it.

She made this known over the weekend while sharing her insights, background, motivations, vision and plans to bring cutting-edge innovations and people-oriented programmes to the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, FCT, during an interaction with journalists in Abuja.

Adidi traced the roots of her leadership journey to her upbringing, where her mother played a defining role. She recalled being taught early in life that determination and focus could unlock any aspiration. Watching her mother rise through her career ranks instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, hard work, and excellence values she says have guided her personal and professional trajectory.

Her academic journey reflects a strong global outlook. She studied Economics at Boston College, earned a Master’s degree in International Political Economy from King’s College London, and obtained a postgraduate certification in Public Policy Analysis from the London School of Economics.

According to her, while these experiences provided a solid theoretical foundation, her return to Africa revealed the complexities of governance beyond textbooks.
“What works in the West does not necessarily work in Africa,” she noted,

She emphasized that her professional engagements across different African countries have been instrumental in shaping her understanding of practical, context-driven policymaking, an approach she intends to bring to Nigeria.

She highlighted the vast potential of Nigerian youth, noting that while they are talented and capable, they often lack access to opportunities. Her initiatives, particularly in digital skills training, aim to bridge this gap and prepare young people to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

Addressing the barriers facing women in politics, Adidi pointed to both structural and cultural challenges, including high campaign costs and entrenched perceptions of politics as a male-dominated space. She called for deliberate efforts to create a more inclusive political environment, stressing that women’s participation is essential for balanced and effective governance.

“Women are not competing to replace men, but to complement and strengthen leadership collectively,” she said.

She described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an inclusive party that offers opportunities for young leaders to emerge. She pointed to the appointment of young individuals to key positions as evidence of this shift.
On the performance of the current administration,

Adidi acknowledged ongoing challenges such as insecurity and rising living costs but maintained that there have been measurable gains.

She cited improvements in federal reserves and increased financial capacity for states to undertake infrastructure projects and meet salary obligations.

In the Federal Capital Territory, she observed progress in infrastructure development and empowerment programmes targeting youth and women. While noting that no administration is without shortcomings, she argued that continuity would help consolidate existing gains.

“In Nigeria, anything is possible if you believe in yourself and have a clear vision,” she said.

Currently serving as a Programme Coordinator in the Statistics Department of a development finance institution, Adidi said her work centers on evidence-based policymaking. She advocates the use of data in governance, stressing that effective policies must reflect both statistical realities and lived experiences.

“Statistics tell a story, and behind every figure is a person,” she explained, underscoring the importance of aligning public policy with the actual needs of constituents.

Beyond her professional role, Adidi has been actively involved in youth development through the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF), where she has championed civic engagement and digital skills initiatives. Through these programmes, she has worked to educate young Nigerians on the importance of participating in governance not just through voting, but through active involvement at grassroots levels.

Her advocacy and impact have not gone unnoticed. She was recently recognized among the 50 Outstanding Women of Excellence at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration during the Her Excellence Conference and Awards, an honour she describes as both humbling and motivating.

As she sets her sights on elective office, Adidi said her decision to run is rooted in a desire to inspire.
“I am running not just for myself, but for every woman and young girl who aspires to enter politics but feels discouraged,” she said. “If I can do it, so can you.”

With a blend of academic excellence, policy experience, and grassroots engagement, Adidi presents herself as part of a new wave of leaders seeking to redefine governance and inspire a new generation of Nigerians especially women to step forward and lead.