Esther Okereke, a Nollywood actress has been elected the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) for the 2027 general election.
The actress who built a career in Nollywood, appearing in top films, defeated former Labour Party presidential aspirant Joseph Faduri and United Kingdom-based businessman Ademola Onigbokun at the party’s presidential primary held in Abuja,
Announcing the results, the National chairman of the party, Chinedu Obi, confirmed Okereke’s emergence at the party’s 2027 convention and presidential primary election, saying she had completed the party’s screening process.
Obi told the delegates that Nigeria can overcome its challenges if leaders act responsibly and everyone works together.
He spoke about his worries over insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship in the country, and offered sympathy to those affected by kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.
He believes that most of Nigeria’s problems come from poor leadership, not from a lack of resources or opportunities.
“Nigeria possesses abundant mineral resources, fertile land, energetic youths and entrepreneurial citizens, yet millions remain trapped in poverty because of poor governance and weak institutions,” he said.
Obi said the NRM was founded to promote social justice, accountability, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
He added that the party’s “Rescue Nigeria Blueprint” contains 24 policy pillars covering security, economic reforms, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, institutional development and infrastructure.
In her acceptance speech, Okereke described her nomination as a call to serve the country.
“I accept this nomination not for personal glory but as a sacred assignment. I accept it as a call to service because of my belief that Nigeria shall rise and work again,” she said.
The actress painted a grim picture of the country’s current situation, citing poverty, unemployment, insecurity and economic difficulties.
“Our nation is bleeding. Millions of our people are trapped in pain, poverty, fear and uncertainty,” Okereke said.
“Families sleep in darkness in a nation overflowing with energy resources. Graduates roam the streets without jobs. Businesses collapse under the weight of economic hardship.”
She added that despite the challenges, Nigeria still had the potential for recovery and growth.