Remi Sonaiya

Olusola Remi Sonaiya (born Oluremi Comfort Sonaiya on April 2, 1955) is a Nigerian academic, writer, and politician. She is best known for being the sole female presidential candidate in the 2015 Nigerian general election, running under the platform of the KOWA Party.Early Life and Education Remi Sonaiya was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. She received her early education in Nigeria before pursuing higher studies abroad. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), graduating in 1977. She subsequently earned a Master of Arts in French Literature from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, in 1982, and a PhD in Linguistics from the same institution in 1988.Academic Career Before entering politics, Sonaiya had a distinguished academic career spanning over three decades. She began her teaching career at the University of Ife, where she eventually rose to the rank of Professor of French and Applied Linguistics in 2008. Her academic focus included language policy, second language acquisition, and pedagogical grammar. She was a visiting scholar at several institutions, including the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) in France and the University of Kansas in the United States. She retired from the University of Ife in 2010.Political Progression and Major Achievements Sonaiya's political journey began with her commitment to changing the status quo in Nigeria through good governance and accountability. She joined the KOWA Party, a platform focused on promoting transparency and advocating for fundamental societal change. Her major achievement was becoming the first woman to be nominated by a registered political party to contest for the highest office in Nigeria. She ran as the presidential candidate in the 2015 Nigerian general election. Although she did not win, her candidacy was widely praised for raising critical issues concerning gender equality, political reform, and national development, distinguishing her as a principled voice in the Nigerian political landscape. She also served as the National Public Relations Officer for the KOWA Party.Notable Works As a writer, Sonaiya has authored several books focusing on her areas of expertise and her political philosophy. Her notable works include: * *A Trust to Keep: Reflections on Leadership* (2010), which delves into the principles of good governance. * *Igniting Consciousness: Nigeria and Other Essays* (2013), a collection of essays on Nigerian socio-political issues. * *Daybreak Nigeria: This Nation Must Rise* (2014), which chronicles her vision for Nigeria's future and her political campaign.Current Status Following the 2015 elections, Remi Sonaiya has continued to be an active voice in public discourse, focusing on advocacy for social justice, political integrity, and women’s participation in leadership. She remains a respected figure and commentator on national issues, leveraging her platform as a former presidential candidate and seasoned academic to influence public opinion and policy, particularly regarding Osun State and national governance.