NRM presidential candidate Esther Okereke promises grassroots development

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) —  The presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Dr Esther Okereke, has promised to prioritise grassroots development and basic infrastructure, including roads and railways, if elected president in 2027.

Okereke made the promise during a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview in Abuja on Sunday, saying her presidential ambition was driven by her firsthand understanding of the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.

She said that, unlike many political elites, she experienced the daily realities of citizens by using public roads, visiting local markets and accessing community healthcare services.

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“I am called the grassroots candidate because I use the same roads, go to the same markets and visit the same hospitals as the average Nigerian. I feel what they feel,” she said.

Okereke also claimed that the NRM had established an organisational network across Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 774 local government areas, with structures in wards and polling units to mobilise voters.

“We have built structures in every ward and polling unit across the country to give power back to the people,” she said.

Okereke Criticises Poor Road Infrastructure

Addressing the state of national infrastructure, the NRM candidate criticised the poor condition of inter-state roads, describing them as a major obstacle to economic growth and public safety.

She recounted a recent road trip for a family funeral, saying the condition of dilapidated highways subjected Nigerians to hardship and unnecessary risks.

“Building quality roads across all 36 states is not rocket science; we see infrastructure development happening in the FCT, so it can be replicated nationwide,” she said.

Okereke argued that poor infrastructure and limited economic opportunities left citizens vulnerable to vote-buying and political manipulation during elections.

“When people have good roads, steady power, housing and food security, no one can buy their dignity or recruit their children for political thuggery,” she added.

Candidate Urges Voters to Demand Accountability

Okereke urged Nigerians to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to hold political leaders accountable rather than allow short-term financial inducements to determine their votes.

She called on voters dissatisfied with unemployment, unreliable electricity, deteriorating hospitals and poor roads to support her candidacy, describing her ambition as an effort to rescue and rebuild the country.

“What Nigeria needs is not another manager, we need rescue. We need to restore, we need to rebuild Nigeria,” she said.

She maintained that her candidacy was about competence and accountability rather than gender, adding that elected leaders should be answerable to citizens for their management of public resources.

Okereke also advised Nigerians to accept items distributed by political parties during campaigns but make their voting decisions based on accountability.

“Collect the rice, collect the money, collect the plastic plate, they are sharing. Collect whatever it is they are sharing, it’s your money, it’s your right, collect it, but vote for accountability, and that is me, Esther Okereke,” she said.

She described herself as a prospective servant of the people, pledging to represent their interests and give them a voice in decision-making if elected.

(NAN)