A Nollywood star who once captivated audiences on screen is now aiming for the highest political office in the land, as Esther Okereke steps forward with a bold ambition to become Nigeria’s next president.
The actress, filmmaker, and entrepreneur officially secured the presidential ticket of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) on May 29, setting the stage for what could be a fiercely contested race against incumbent President Bola Tinubu, alongside other major contenders including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
Okereke emerged as the party’s sole candidate after clearing the screening process, making history as the first woman to fly the NRM’s presidential flag. Her entry into the race marks a significant shift from the entertainment industry to national leadership, but her journey suggests the move has been anything but sudden.
Beyond her acting career, Okereke has built a diverse portfolio as a philanthropist, businesswoman, and investor, with interests in construction, engineering, real estate, and sports. She is also the founder of Kamdera Services Limited, a firm established in 2015 that has grown from a human resources and humanitarian outfit into a broader consultancy and hotel management business.
Her commitment to social impact is reflected in her foundation’s work supporting widows, vulnerable children, and disadvantaged communities. In sports, she launched the Gliding Stars Football Club in 2023, further expanding her influence beyond business and entertainment.
Academically, Okereke has also prepared herself for leadership, earning a degree in Applied Science with a focus on political science and government, followed by a master’s in International Relations from the University of Abuja, where she is currently pursuing a doctorate.
Now turning fully to politics, Okereke has framed her presidential ambition as a response to what she describes as Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges. She paints a picture of a country held back by poor leadership, corruption, and a lack of vision, declaring her campaign a “national rescue mission.”
According to her, urgent action is needed, particularly in critical sectors like education and power supply, where she has promised to declare states of emergency if elected. Her broader agenda focuses on rebuilding the nation through reforms in the economy, security, healthcare, housing, technology, and job creation, alongside a strong emphasis on transparency, social welfare, and sustainable development.
She insists that Nigeria’s potential remains vast but unrealized, expressing confidence that with the right leadership, the country can be transformed into one future generations will be proud to inherit.
Her candidacy has also drawn praise from within her party. NRM National Chairman Chinendu Obi described her emergence as a testament to the strength and capability of women, expressing confidence in her leadership and the party’s broader mission.
Before stepping onto the political stage, Okereke had already made her mark in Nollywood with roles in films such as 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, the late Alexx Ekubo, Uzee Usman, Francis Duru, Ivie Okujaye, Victor Chude, and Stan Nze.
