The presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Dr Esther Nkem Okereke, has said women are capable of leading Nigeria, urging Nigerians to give female candidates an opportunity to govern the country.
Okereke made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, where she discussed her ambition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
She questioned why Nigerians should continue with male-dominated leadership despite years of governance challenges.
“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.
The NRM candidate, however, stressed that her presidential ambition was not based on gender politics but on accountability, competence and a clear plan to address Nigeria’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 added.
Okereke identified reliable electricity as one of her major priorities, saying poor power supply continues to affect businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
She explained that businesses lose customers and spend more money operating generators because of inadequate electricity supply.
On security, she said insecurity has discouraged many Nigerians living abroad from returning home to invest in the country’s economy.
According to her, improving security would encourage Nigerians in the diaspora to return and contribute to national development through investments and partnerships.
The presidential hopeful also criticised the practice of repairing roads and carrying out other infrastructure projects shortly before political leaders visit communities.
She maintained that public infrastructure should be maintained regularly as part of government’s responsibility to citizens.
Okereke further advocated greater grassroots participation in governance, insisting that elected officials should remain accountable to the people after elections.
“You don’t just need the grassroots for votes. You need them for partnership,” she said.
She added that elected leaders should regularly update communities about government activities and respond to questions concerning their performance.
The NRM candidate also identified housing and accessible healthcare as important areas requiring attention.
Nigeria has never elected a woman as president. Okereke is among the female aspirants seeking the country’s highest political office ahead of the 2027 general election.
Her campaign has placed emphasis on electricity, security, economic recovery, healthcare, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
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