Dr Esther Nkem Okereke is the National Rescue Movement's pick for 2027. The party chose her by consensus at its national convention in Abuja on Friday.
Two other aspirants contested for the slot. Ademola Joseph Onigbokun and Oluwadare Joseph Faduri were also in the race.
Accepting the nomination, Okereke called it a sacred duty. She pledged to restore hope and rebuild Nigeria from the ground up.
The candidate painted a grim picture of life in the country today. Millions are trapped in poverty, she noted, while insecurity and economic uncertainty plague the nation despite its resources.
Families lack electricity. Graduates cannot find jobs.
Farmers cannot reach their fields because of attacks.
Businesses are collapsing under the weight of harsh conditions, according to Okereke. "Nigeria today is battling systemic failure caused by poor leadership, corruption, selfishness and lack of vision," she told the convention.
Politics has become about grabbing power, not serving people. Governance must transform lives, not just shuffle money around, she argued.
But Okereke struck a hopeful note for Nigerians listening. She insisted the country can overcome its troubles with brave and focused leadership.
"We can build a nation where electricity is stable, businesses thrive, youths become innovators, and citizens live with dignity, opportunity and hope," she said.
Unity is essential to break the cycle. Nigerians must reject the era of broken promises, Okereke urged.
She sees this moment as historic. Future generations will remember this period as the time Nigerians chose courage and progress over fear, she added.
