Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke emerged as the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) ahead of the 2027 general election after securing victory at the party’s national convention held in Abuja on May 29.
With this victory, she becomes the first woman to secure a presidential ticket from NRM. She is one of four women from the South East who have entered the 2027 presidential race.
Okereke emerged as the party’s flag bearer through a consensus agreement brokered by party leaders, and her nomination was ratified by delegates through a unanimous vote. In her acceptance speech, she described the nomination as a “sacred assignment” and a call to national service, saying she accepted it “not for personal glory but as a sacred assignment.”
She unveiled the “ESTHER Agenda,” describing it as a framework for national rebirth anchored in transformative leadership, economic recovery, patriotism, accountability, and sustainable development.
According to her, ESTHER represents Education, Security, Technology, Housing, Entrepreneurship, and Restitution, aimed at restoring national values, rebuilding patriotism, and promoting inclusive governance.
Who Is Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke?
Aside from politics, Esther Nkem Okereke is a Nigerian actress, film producer, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and investor with interests in construction, engineering, and related sectors.
She has a B.Sc. degree in applied science with a focus on political science, followed by a master’s degree in international relations, both from the University of Abuja. She is currently running her Ph.D. program in international relations at the University of Abuja.
Some of the Nollywood movies she has featured in include The Revealing, Muqabala, The Innocent, Venom, Wedding Saga, Enigma, Silent Sound, and Least Expected, among others. She has worked alongside notable actors including Mofe Duncan, Uzee Usman, Francis Duru, and Stan Nze.
Okereke founded Kamdera Services Limited, a firm that houses human resources, talent management, film production, and humanitarian and hospitality services, in 2015.
She is the CEO/founder of Gliding Stars Football Club, a football academy located in Abuja. She is also the president of Train Drain Nigeria Limited, a leading construction company.