The 2027 presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Esther Okereke, has called on Nigerians to work together to rebuild the country and overcome its socio-economic challenges.

Ms Okereke made the call on Friday in Abuja at a news conference titled, “Nigeria Will Work Again, Because We Will” to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.

She said Nigeria could overcome its current difficulties through deliberate planning, accountability and collective national resolve rather than wishful thinking.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, 1993, Ms Okereke paid tribute to pro-democracy heroes, including MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Chima Ubani, Gani Fawehinmi and Beko Ransome-Kuti, as well as unnamed student leaders, journalists and civil rights advocates.

She stated that the June 12 heroes made sacrifices to secure a better future for Nigerians.

“They died for a Nigeria where a child can learn without fear, a mother can feed without begging and a young man can work without connection. Remembrance without action is just crying, and Nigeria is tired of crying,” she said.

Ms Okereke added that the gains of democracy would only be sustained if citizens worked together to build the nation.

She stated, “The Nigeria we dream of will not come from one president; it will come from all of us, including the trader, the teacher, the soldier and the student refusing to give up.

“So, today let us make a new covenant, not to me, not to NRM, but to Nigeria. Nigeria will work again because we will make it work.”

The NRM presidential candidate said reversing the country’s current trajectory would require hard work and commitment from all stakeholders.

She unveiled a six-point development plan, tagged the “ESTHER Agenda,” which she described as a practical framework for governance.

Under “Energy and Education,” Ms Okereke pledged to end the practice of pupils learning in poor conditions and to ensure mandatory metering of electricity transformers to improve accountability in power supply.

On “Safety and Dignity,” she promised to reclaim forests from criminals and strengthen national security across the country.

She said “Technology and Truth” would focus on transparency, including publishing all federal contracts online within seven days of approval.

Under “Health and Homes,” Mr Okereke pledged improved access to healthcare and the construction of two million affordable housing units.

She also promised to create 25 million jobs through enterprise development and real estate investments under the “Jobs and Enterprise” pillar.

On restoring national values, she said competence, rather than ethnic or religious considerations, should be the basis for national development and unity.

Ms Okereke also urged young Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future.

“Don’t japa from Nigeria. Japa from fear,” she said.

She further called on civil servants to serve with renewed commitment and encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to national development through strategic partnerships. 

(NAN)