ABUJA, Nigeria — October 14, 2026 — The presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Esther Okereke, has called for a new approach to leadership in Nigeria, urging voters to assess candidates on the strength of their policies, plans and commitment to accountability ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Wednesday, Mrs Okereke challenged Nigerians to reconsider the country's longstanding pattern of male-dominated political leadership, arguing that the priority should be effective governance and tangible results for citizens.
Responding to questions about whether a woman could lead Nigeria, she asked why the country should continue with the same approach to leadership when millions of Nigerians remain dissatisfied with governance outcomes.
“Do you think a man who has failed for over 20 years should continue? If you don’t think so, then give this woman a chance,” she said.
Mrs Okereke stressed, however, that her candidacy was not about gender politics but about offering Nigerians a practical framework for addressing the country's challenges.
“By the way, I’m not here for gender politics. I’m here with accountability. I’m here with a blueprint, a plan, a framework to rescue,” she said.
Reliable Electricity as an Economic Priority
Mrs Okereke identified reliable electricity as one of the first priorities of her proposed administration, describing dependable power supply as essential to economic growth, business development and the effective use of technology.
She noted that small and medium-sized enterprises face significant challenges when electricity is unreliable, including lost customers, higher operating costs and dependence on generators and other expensive alternatives.
According to her, improving electricity supply would help businesses operate more efficiently, create opportunities for innovation and enable Nigeria to benefit more fully from technological advancements, including smart monitoring systems.
Her position places energy reliability at the centre of a broader discussion about creating an environment in which Nigerian businesses can grow, compete and generate employment.
Tackling Insecurity and Restoring Investor Confidence
Security was another major priority highlighted by the NRM presidential candidate.
Mrs Okereke said insecurity continues to discourage Nigerians living abroad from returning home to invest and participate in the country's development.
She explained that many members of the Nigerian diaspora are interested in contributing to national development through investment and partnerships, rather than charitable assistance alone. However, a safer environment is necessary to encourage them to return with confidence.
“I have lots of friends that want to come back home to invest, not as charity, but as partners, for us to build Nigeria,” she said.
She added that addressing insecurity would encourage more Nigerians abroad to return home peacefully and participate in building the economy.
Her remarks underscore the importance of security not only as a public safety concern but also as a foundation for investment, job creation and sustainable development.
Governance Must Be About Service, Not Political Display
Mrs Okereke also criticised the practice of carrying out road repairs and other visible infrastructure work shortly before political leaders visit particular communities.
She argued that public infrastructure should be maintained consistently as part of the normal responsibilities of government, rather than treated as a temporary exercise intended to impress visiting officials.
“If you have decided to go into public office, just have it at the back of your mind that you’re a servant. You’re here to serve the people, and that’s how it should be,” she said.
The NRM candidate's comments highlighted the need for a culture of public service in which government officials are accountable for the regular delivery of essential services and the responsible use of public resources.
Grassroots Citizens as Partners in Governance
A central feature of Mrs Okereke's proposed approach is the active participation of citizens in governance, particularly at the grassroots level.
She said political engagement should not end when votes are cast. Instead, elected leaders should maintain communication with their communities, provide updates on government activities and answer questions about their performance.
“You don’t just need the grassroots for votes. You need them for partnership,” she said.
“After the election, you need to answer questions from them. You need to give them updates.”
The NRM candidate also identified housing and healthcare as important areas requiring attention, particularly the delivery of accessible healthcare services to people in local communities.
Her emphasis on grassroots partnership presents a model of governance in which citizens are treated as active stakeholders in development rather than merely participants in periodic elections.
A Choice About Nigeria's Future
Nigeria has never elected a woman as president. As the country approaches the 2027 presidential election, Mrs Okereke is among the women seeking the nation's highest political office.
Her campaign is presenting accountability, reliable electricity, improved security, essential public services and sustained citizen engagement as important elements of its proposed approach to national development.
The broader challenge for all presidential candidates will be to demonstrate how their proposals can be translated into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
For the NRM, Mrs Okereke's message is that leadership must be judged by its plans, its willingness to serve and its ability to respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.
As the 2027 election approaches, the party is calling on Nigerians to examine the ideas, priorities and commitments of candidates and consider the kind of leadership that can move the country towards a safer, more prosperous and more accountable future.
