First Woman to Form a Political Party in Nigeria, She Speaks on Leadership, Women’s Inclusion and 2027 Ambitions
Hon. Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori is the Founder and National Leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), a political platform she says was established to restore hope, promote accountable leadership and place the interests of Nigerians at the centre of governance.
As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, Okwori speaks on the inspiration behind the formation of the NDP, its core values, plans for women and young people, and her vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
In this interview with Women News Today, she explains why she believes Nigerians need a new political alternative and outlines the party’s proposed policies on the economy, security and education.
What inspired the formation of the National Democratic Party, and why did you believe Nigeria needed a new political platform at this time?
The NDP was birthed out of necessity and compassion for Nigerians, not ambition. I looked at Nigeria and saw millions of citizens who are hardworking, prayerful and hopeful — yet tired. Tired of promises without results, politics without principle, and leadership without empathy.
As the first woman to form and birth a political party in Nigeria, I believe we need a new platform now because the old ways are not delivering for the average Nigerian.
The NDP was formed to return power to the people: to build a party that is disciplined, values-driven and focused on service, not self. We want to be the platform where competence meets character.
What are the core principles and values of the NDP, and what makes the party different from existing political parties in Nigeria?
Our core principles are:
1. Integrity: Public office is public trust.
2. Accountability: Leaders must answer to the people.
3. Service: Politics is about solving problems, not creating them.
4. Inclusion: Women, youth and marginalised communities must have a seat at the table.
5. Nation-Building: Putting Nigeria first above party, tribe or region.
What makes us different? The NDP will not be a platform for godfathers. We will screen candidates based on capacity and character, not money.
We will measure leaders by results in classrooms, clinics and communities — not by rallies.
What is your personal vision for the NDP, and what kind of Nigeria do you hope the party will help build?
As the Founder and National Leader of the NDP, my vision is to build a party that restores hope in Nigeria.
The Nigeria I, Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori, see is one where a child in Katsina and a child in Bayelsa have equal access to quality education and healthcare.
It is a Nigeria where young people do not have to leave the country to chase their dreams; where businesses can thrive without fear of insecurity or poor power supply; and where government is lean, honest and responsive.
I want the NDP to help build a Nigeria that works for the many, not the few — a Nigeria where faith, hard work and discipline are rewarded again.
The party has been associated with the call for more disciplined, accountable and people-centred leadership. What would this look like in practice if the NDP gains political power?
In practice, it means three things:
1. Discipline: Clear performance contracts for every public office holder. Results will be tracked quarterly and published.
2. Accountability: An open budget portal, project tracking and mandatory asset declaration. No sacred cows.
3. People-Centred Governance: Policy starts from town halls. Government spending will prioritise food security, security of lives, jobs, power and education.
Women and young people remain significantly under-represented in Nigerian politics. What specific role will women and young Nigerians play in the leadership and decision-making structures of the NDP?
They will be the engine, not an afterthought.
For Women: We are proposing a minimum of 40 per cent representation in all NDP executive and candidate lists. We will set up a Women’s Leadership Fund for campaign support, mentorship and capacity building.
Maternal health and economic empowerment will be top priorities.
For Youth: We are proposing a 35 per cent quota for young people in party structures. NDP Youth Innovation Hubs will be established in every state to drive digital governance, technology jobs and entrepreneurship.
Young people will also lead our policy think tanks.
With the 2027 elections approaching, what are the NDP’s political ambitions, and how does the party intend to compete with more established political parties?
Our ambition is to win and to govern well.
We will compete through:
1. Grassroots Mobilisation: Ward-to-ward engagement in markets, schools and farms.
2. Issue-Based Campaigns: Clear plans, not insults or money politics.
3. Credible Candidates: Men and women of integrity and proven capacity.
4. Technology: Data-driven voter outreach and vote protection systems.
The 2027 elections are our opportunity to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
What are the NDP’s specific policy plans for the economy, security and education?
Our proposed policy agenda covers three key areas:
Economy — “NDP Prosperity Plan”
1. MSME Revolution: Single-digit loans, tax holidays for three years and digital markets for small businesses. Our target is to create 10 million new jobs in four years.
2. Agriculture: Mechanised farming clusters, storage facilities and guaranteed off-take to address food inflation.
3. Power: Decentralised power through solar and gas plants for states and industrial hubs. No nation grows in darkness.
Security — “NDP Safe Nigeria Agenda”
1. Community Policing: Train, equip and fund local security structures working with federal forces.
2. Intelligence and Technology: Drones, data centres and improved welfare for security personnel.
3. Youth Engagement: Jobs and skills programmes to reduce recruitment into crime.
Education — “NDP Future Minds Initiative”
1. Teacher First: Better pay, training and housing for teachers. No nation rises above its teachers.
2. STEM and Skills: Vocational centres in every local government area, alongside free coding and technical training for young people.
3. Funding: Allocate 15 per cent of the budget to education and upgrade 5,000 public schools in the first term with electricity, water and digital tools.
Many Nigerians are sceptical about new political parties. What safeguards will the NDP put in place to remain accountable?
We respect that scepticism. Our proposed safeguards include:
1. Internal Democracy: Free and fair primaries. No imposition.
2. Code of Conduct: A binding ethics pledge for all office holders.
3. Independent Oversight: A party Ombudsman and public quarterly reports.
4. Term Limits: To prevent godfatherism.
If we deviate, vote us out.
Finally, what is your message to Nigerians looking for a credible alternative? Why should they believe in the NDP?
To every Nigerian who is tired and praying for change — I see you. God sees you too.
My name is Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori, and I stepped forward because Nigeria deserves better.
As the first woman to form a political party here, I am doing this for our daughters, for your sons, for younger generations and those yet unborn, and for the Nigeria we know is possible.
Do not give up on Nigeria. Do not sell your future. The NDP is asking for your trust, and we will earn it with hard work, integrity and service.
Believe in the NDP because we believe in you. Because we are building a party where your voice matters, your vote counts, and your children have a future here at home.
Nigeria is not finished. With God and with people like you, we will rebuild it together.
God bless you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
