By Daniel Kudayah
The National Rescue Movement, NRM, has urged Nigerians to put national interest ahead of party loyalty in the 2027 elections.
The party made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council.
The NRM presidential candidate, Dr Esther Nkem Okereke, while outlining the structure of the council, said the campaign would be based on legality, accountability, transparency, unity and peaceful participation.
She said the campaign structure would cover all levels, from the national leadership to polling units.
Okereke said the council would work in five stages, including organisation, training, nationwide operations, election preparations and activities on election day.
She added that the campaign would operate in line with the rules of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The NRM National Chairman, Prince Chinedu Obi, said the party would focus on the rule of law, stronger institutions and accountability.
He said the party would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and work to make government more focused on clear processes and measurable results rather than individuals.
“The objective is to move Nigeria from a system that is often personality-driven to one that is institution-driven,” Obi said.
He said the party’s Esther Rescue Nigeria Agenda, which is based on a 24-point policy plan, covers governance, the economy, human development, security and justice, infrastructure, science, technology and innovation.
Obi said the choice of Okereke as presidential candidate and Arc Nasir Suleiman Muhammed as her running mate showed the party’s focus on women, young people and a new generation of leaders.
“The rescue of Nigeria must begin with the rescue of our political culture,” he said.
The Director-General of the campaign council, Alhaji Sani Garba, said the party’s Nigeria First policy was aimed at identifying capable Nigerians regardless of their political parties.
“Our loyalty must first be to Nigeria,” Garba said.
He said the party’s bee symbol represented its focus on identifying what is good, useful and productive, regardless of political affiliation.
Garba also urged youths, professionals, women and other Nigerians to take an active part in politics.
