Presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Esther Okereke, has promised to make electricity a top priority of her administration, saying Nigeria could achieve 25,000 megawatts of power generation within her first 100 days in office if she wins the 2027 presidential election.
Okereke, a Nollywood actress, entrepreneur and humanitarian, made the pledge during an interview on Arise TV, where she outlined some of her plans for the country.
She said solving Nigeria’s electricity crisis would be the starting point for addressing several other national challenges, particularly insecurity and economic underdevelopment.
According to her, Nigeria already has professionals with the expertise required to transform the power sector, but political will, accountability and freedom from corruption are needed to allow them to deliver.
Okereke said her government would pursue renewable energy and decentralised electricity generation while tackling what she described as personal interests and corruption within the sector.
She argued that political office holders responsible for delivering on specific targets should be held accountable if they fail to meet their commitments.
‘I AM NOT JUST AN ACTRESS’
Responding to concerns about her political experience, Okereke rejected the description of herself as merely an actress seeking the presidency.
She pointed to her humanitarian activities and experience in various businesses, saying her work with widows, orphans and people living with disabilities had exposed her to the difficulties faced by Nigerians at the grassroots.
She said her decision to enter politics was driven by frustration over the scale of the problems confronting vulnerable Nigerians and her belief that greater change could be achieved through government.
Okereke said her proposed ESTHER Agenda would serve as the foundation of her campaign and described it as a six-pillar programme focused on economic development, energy, education, security, social development, technology, transparency, housing, healthcare and sustainable development.
She maintained that her strongest support would come from ordinary Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots who, according to her, are primarily demanding basic amenities and better living conditions.
CALLS FOR A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO GOVERNANCE
The NRM candidate also urged Nigerians to consider a different approach to leadership, arguing that the country’s problems should not be viewed through the lens of gender.
She said her candidacy was motivated by a desire to restore the value of human life and improve the country’s response to insecurity, poverty and other social challenges.
Okereke acknowledged that she had not previously held public office but argued that her experience in hospitality, real estate, investments, construction and agriculture had equipped her with management and decision-making skills.
She said effective leadership was ultimately about having the courage and willingness to make decisions in the interest of the people.
PLANS TO TACKLE INSECURITY AND CORRUPTION
On security, Okereke promised increased funding for security agencies and greater emphasis on community policing.
She argued that residents who understand the terrain of their communities could play a significant role in combating crime if properly trained and supported.
She also pledged to review redundant government agencies and parastatals, recover public funds and redirect recovered resources towards national development.
Okereke identified corruption as one of the biggest barriers to Nigeria’s progress and said her administration would make the fight against corruption, alongside human capital development, a major priority.
She maintained that Nigeria has the resources and expertise required to overcome its challenges, but said stronger leadership, accountability and political will would be necessary to turn those resources into tangible improvements for citizens.
