Nollywood actress Esther Okereke has emerged as the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) for the 2027 general election.
Okereke won the party’s presidential primary held in Abuja, defeating former Labour Party presidential aspirant Joseph Faduri and United Kingdom-based businessman Ademola Onigbokun.
National chairman of the party Chinedu Obi announced her emergence at the party’s 2027 convention and presidential primary election, saying she had completed the party’s screening process.
Addressing delegates, Obi said Nigeria could overcome its challenges through responsible leadership and collective effort.
He expressed concern about insecurity, poverty and economic hardship across the country, while sympathising with victims of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts.
According to him, Nigeria’s challenges stem largely from leadership failures rather than 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.
Okereke unveiled what she called the “ESTHER Agenda,” which she said would focus on education, security, technology, housing, entrepreneurship and restitution.
According to her, the programme is designed to promote national values, strengthen patriotism and encourage inclusive governance.
Before entering politics, Okereke built a career in Nollywood, appearing in films including A Woman’s Plight, Wedding Saga, Venom, Enigma, Silent Sound, The Revealing, The Expected and Crux.
She is also the chief executive officer of Gliding Stars Football Club.
