The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has elected an actress, Dr Esther Nkem Okereke, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Okereke emerged through consensus at the party’s national convention held in Abuja on Friday, ahead of two other aspirants, Ademola Joseph Onigbokun and Oluwadare Joseph Faduri.
In her acceptance speech, Okereke described her nomination as a sacred assignment and a call to service, promising to restore hope and rebuild the country.
She lamented the economic hardship in the country, saying millions were trapped in poverty, insecurity and economic uncertainty despite the nation’s vast resources.
She said many families still live without electricity, graduates remain unemployed, farmers cannot access their farmlands due to insecurity, and businesses are collapsing under harsh economic conditions.
“The truth must be told boldly: Nigeria today is battling systemic failure caused by poor leadership, corruption, selfishness and lack of vision,” she said.
Okereke criticised what she described as politics driven by the struggle for power rather than service to the people, adding that governance should be transformational and not transactional.
She, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its challenges through courageous and purposeful leadership.
“We can build a nation where electricity is stable, businesses thrive, youths become innovators, and citizens live with dignity, opportunity and hope,” she said.
The NRM candidate urged Nigerians to unite and work towards ending what she called the era of broken promises.
She added that history would remember this period as a defining moment when Nigerians chose courage, unity and progress over fear and despair.