Meet Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, First Nominated Female Deputy Governorship Candidate of a Ruling Party

Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, popularly known as Aunty Zee, has emerged as the first woman nominated as a Deputy Governorship Candidate of a Ruling Party (the incumbent APC) in Taraba State, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political history.

A distinguished public servant, professional accountant, entrepreneur, political leader and philanthropist, Hajiya Zainab brings over 25 years of experience spanning public administration, financial management, political leadership and community development.

She holds an MBA in Finance and Investment from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is a Certified National Accountant (CNA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

She is also affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN), and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), where she is a student member.

Born on 3rd August into the illustrious family of Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Sarki Ayukan Muri (OON), she comes from a family with a notable history of political and public service.

Her father was a former parliamentarian, Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Gongola State, Leader of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in Taraba State, member of the G34 Nigeria, and a member of the 1999 Constitutional Committee. He also played a role in the formation of the PDP in Taraba State.

Political Leadership and National Responsibilities

Hajiya Zainab currently serves as the Deputy National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of its National Working Committee (NWC).

In this capacity, she contributes to party administration, policy implementation, election preparations, conflict resolution, financial management and the coordination of party structures across Nigeria and the diaspora.

She also serves as Deputy National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of registered political parties in Nigeria, where she doubles as Executive Director of the Directorate of Women Affairs.
One of her notable contributions at IPAC is the conceptualisation and introduction of the gender-balanced leadership initiative known as the “Twinning Formula”, designed to promote equitable female representation in political party leadership.

Additionally, she serves as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, where she provides leadership and oversight on the institution’s governance and administration.

Public Service Experience
Her professional journey in public service spans several important institutions and government establishments.

Between 1999 and 2001, she served as Revenue Accountant at the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina. She subsequently worked in various units of the Accounts Department of the Federal Capital Territory Judiciary.

She also served as Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister on Transmission at the Federal Ministry of Power and Personal Assistant to the Honourable Minister at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

These appointments have contributed to her extensive experience in public administration, institutional management and government operations.

Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
Beyond public service and politics, Hajiya Zainab has established herself as an entrepreneur through various business ventures.

She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zed Consultancy Nigeria Limited, Zees Fingerlicks Catering Services, Foodville Cuisine and Event Management Services, Foodville Culinary School and Bakery, and Aunty Zee Foundation.

Her entrepreneurial interests reflect her commitment to business development, skills acquisition, enterprise and community empowerment.
Family and Personal Life
Hajiya Zainab is married to Engineer Bello Muhammed Unguwan Alkali, and their union is blessed with six children.

A Profile of Experience and Leadership
With professional qualifications in accounting and finance, more than two decades of public service experience, national political responsibilities, entrepreneurial achievements and involvement in institutional governance, Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim brings a diverse background to her nomination as Deputy Governorship Candidate in Taraba State.

Her emergence also brings renewed attention to women’s participation and representation in the state’s political leadership.
Editorial note: I have used “nominated as Deputy Governorship Candidate” rather than “incoming Deputy Governor” because nomination does not automatically confer the office of Deputy Governor.

Also, the claim that she is the first woman to receive such a nomination in Taraba should be independently verified before publication.