Abuja: Dr Esther Okereke, the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) for the 2027 general election, has called on Nigerians to work together to rebuild the country and overcome its socio-economic challenges. 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okereke emphasized that Nigeria could overcome its current difficulties through deliberate planning, accountability, and collective national resolve rather than wishful thinking. She reflected on the significance of June 12, 1993, paying 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. Okereke stated that the sacrifices of these heroes were made to secure a better future for Nigerians.
She highlighted that the gains of democracy would only be sustained if citizens worked together to build the nation. Okereke emphasized that the ideal Nigeria would be a collective effort and not just the responsibility of one president. She urged citizens to make a new covenant to ensure that Nigeria would prosper through their combined efforts.
In her address, Okereke unveiled a six-point development plan, tagged the ‘ESTHER Agenda’, which she described as a practical framework for governance. Under ‘Energy and Education’, she pledged to improve learning conditions and ensure accountability in power supply. On ‘Safety and Dignity’, Okereke promised to reclaim forests from criminal elements and enhance national security.
Okereke’s ‘Technology and Truth’ pillar focused on transparency, including the online publication of federal contracts. For ‘Health and Homes’, she committed to improving healthcare access and constructing affordable housing units. She also promised to create jobs through enterprise development and real estate investments under the ‘Jobs and Enterprise’ pillar, and emphasized the importance of competence for national development and unity.
Lastly, Okereke encouraged young Nigerians to remain hopeful, urging them to overcome fear instead of leaving the country. She called on civil servants to renew their commitment and asked Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to national development through strategic partnerships.