By Our Correspondent
ABUJA — The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has unanimously elected Esther Nkem Okereke as its presidential candidate following a consensus primary election held on May 29, 2026, in Abuja.
The primary election, conducted at Kam & Taverns Apartment, attracted party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the country, who collectively endorsed Dr. Okereke as the party’s flagbearer for the forthcoming presidential election.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Okereke expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in her leadership, describing her emergence as more than a political victory but a national call to action aimed at restoring hope and rebuilding the country.
“My mission is to rescue and rebuild Nigeria,” she declared. “Our nation is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to face hardship. The time has come to chart a new course that prioritizes national development, unity, economic prosperity, and the welfare of all Nigerians.”
She acknowledged the economic and security challenges confronting the nation, including unemployment and infrastructural deficits, but maintained that Nigeria’s future remains promising.
According to her, the implementation of her transformative ESTHER Project would provide a practical framework for national renewal, economic revitalization, and inclusive governance.
Dr. Okereke described Nigeria as a nation of immense potential whose greatness can be restored through visionary leadership, accountability, innovation, and collective commitment to nation-building.
Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the , , commended the peaceful and united conduct of the primary election. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative anchored on competence, integrity, transparency, and genuine development.
According to him, the party was established to offer practical solutions to the nation’s challenges and restore public confidence in leadership.
Also speaking, called on Nigerians to embrace collective responsibility in the task of nation-building. He stressed that rebuilding the country requires the contributions of all patriotic citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religious belief.
The primary election received overwhelming support from members of the party’s National Management Committee, state executives, youth and women leaders, and other stakeholders who endorsed Dr. Okereke’s candidacy through consensus. Party leaders described the decision as a reflection of their confidence in her leadership capacity and commitment to the party’s vision for a renewed Nigeria.
A memorable highlight of the event was the rendition of the inspirational song, “Nigeria Will Rise Again,” which energized delegates and symbolized the hope, resilience, and optimism that characterized the gathering.
As the NRM moves into the next phase of the electoral process, party supporters view Dr. Okereke’s emergence as a significant step toward building a stronger political movement dedicated to national transformation.
With her message of rescue, reconstruction, and renewal, Dr. Okereke has set the tone for what is expected to be a vigorous campaign driven by the belief that Nigeria can overcome its present challenges and reclaim its place as a leading nation in Africa.
For party faithful and supporters gathered in Abuja, the message was clear: the journey toward a rescued, rebuilt, and prosperous Nigeria has begun.
