From Screen To State House: Nollywood Star Grabs 2027 Presidential Ticket

A notable Nollywood actress and film producer, Esther Okereke, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Ireporter Online, Okereke secured the party’s presidential ticket on Friday after defeating former Labour Party presidential aspirant, Joseph Faduri, and UK-based businessman, Ademola Onigbokun, during the NRM primary held in Abuja.

Her victory places her among a small number of women who have clinched presidential tickets in Nigeria’s democratic history, as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 election cycle. She is expected to join other opposition figures in the race against President Bola Tinubu in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive contest.

Presenting her as the party’s flag bearer, the National Chairman of the NRM, Chinedu Obi, said the party was committed to offering Nigerians leadership capable of addressing the country’s economic hardship and security challenges. He described the party’s mission as a “national rescue agenda” aimed at repositioning the country.

Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions, referencing global reports that have labelled the nation as the poverty capital of the world, while also highlighting the suffering of citizens affected by insecurity, displacement, and violent conflicts. He said the party’s primary was not merely political but a step toward providing what he described as purposeful and visionary leadership.

In her acceptance speech, Okereke described her nomination as a call to national service rather than a personal ambition. She said her decision was driven by concern over widespread hardship, insecurity, and economic struggles facing Nigerians.

She painted a grim picture of the nation’s current realities, noting rising unemployment, collapsing businesses, power shortages, and increasing levels of poverty and insecurity. However, she maintained that Nigeria still has the potential for recovery if guided by responsible leadership and renewed hope, insisting that “beyond the suffering, there is restoration and a greater Nigerian future waiting to emerge.”