BREAKING: Abiola’s Widow Joins Race For UN Top Job, Begins Global Consultations

Nigerian law professor and diplomat, Akasoba Duke-Abiola, widow of the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Abiola, has accepted her nomination and endorsement to contest for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Duke-Abiola disclosed this in a statement on Saturday following her endorsement by the African Policy and Research Consortium, a body comprising government officials, academics, policy experts and development practitioners from Africa and other parts of the world.

According to reports, her emergence comes amid renewed calls for stronger African representation in the leadership of major international institutions.

Duke-Abiola described the endorsement as a responsibility rather than merely a personal honour, particularly in advancing the interests of vulnerable groups, including women and children.

She said her academic work in sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals had strengthened her commitment to promoting peace, justice, human dignity and international cooperation.

The Nigerian diplomat also expressed appreciation for the geographical spread of the support behind her nomination, noting that the consortium’s network extends across countries including South Africa, Rwanda and Egypt, as well as Barbados and Chile.

Duke-Abiola said her nomination carried significant implications for African women and girls facing challenges such as poverty, insecurity, early marriage, exclusion and limited educational opportunities.

She maintained that the endorsement demonstrated that African women are capable of occupying influential positions on the global stage and contributing to international policy and development.

The law professor thanked diplomats, heads of government, academics, public officials, institutional partners and development advocates who had supported her nomination.

She further revealed that she had commenced consultations with members of her family, traditional and political elders, statesmen and women, professional colleagues, diplomatic partners and thought leaders across Africa and internationally.

Duke-Abiola described the position of UN Secretary-General as a major responsibility that must be approached with conscience, national interest, continental responsibility and a commitment to global peace.

She also called for stronger intellectual and policy institutions across Africa to tackle challenges including conflicts, displacement, inequality, climate insecurity and declining public confidence in international institutions.

The diplomat urged African women and young people to remain ambitious despite difficult circumstances, stressing the importance of education, courage and excellence in preparing them for leadership and meaningful contributions to humanity.