The National Rescue Mission (NRM) has officially selected Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke as its flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election. The decision was reached through a consensus arrangement facilitated by top party leadership.
Prince Dr. Chinedu Obi, the National Chairman of the NRM, expressed optimism that Nigeria can be rescued and transformed into a prosperous nation. He highlighted the country’s abundant mineral wealth, fertile agricultural lands, advantageous geographic location, dynamic youth population, entrepreneurial spirit, and rich human capital as key assets.
Obi lamented that despite these advantages, a significant number of Nigerians remain trapped in poverty. He described the situation as a paradox where a resource-rich nation has produced widespread poverty, but expressed confidence in Okereke’s ability to restore the country’s former glory.
He stated, “For years, global reports have consistently labeled Nigeria the poverty capital of the world—a title no nation should accept. Under our leadership, we will overhaul education by raising standards, expanding access, and strengthening technical and vocational training. We will also invest in research and innovation to equip our youth for a competitive global economy.”
On healthcare, Obi added, “We will prioritize primary healthcare systems, expand health insurance coverage, invest in medical personnel, and ensure quality healthcare becomes a right, not a privilege.”
In her acceptance remarks, Okereke emphasized that future generations will remember this moment as a turning point when ordinary citizens chose courage over fear, unity over division, hope over cynicism, and progress over stagnation. She said, “When Nigeria stood at the brink of despair, a courageous people arose with faith and determination to rescue their nation.”
Okereke explained her deliberate choice of the NRM, a party founded to address systemic governance failures in Nigeria. She noted that the party’s core ideology of “rescue” is not a mere slogan but a urgent intervention to pull the country back from institutional collapse, economic decline, and widespread insecurity caused by years of poor governance.
She described the NRM as a generational vanguard that mobilizes youth, champions ethical leadership, and advocates for structural reforms to transition Nigeria from a survival state to sustainable development. “The NRM’s ideology aligns perfectly with my vision and mission, which is why I accepted the candidature to partner in achieving the ‘Rescue Nigeria’ project,” she added.