Nollywood actress and film producer, Esther Okereke has emerged as the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement for the 2027 general election.

Okereke secured the party’s ticket during the NRM national convention and presidential primary held in Abuja on Friday, becoming the party’s first female presidential flag bearer ahead of the next election cycle.

Her emergence marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political landscape, making her one of the few Nollywood figures to seek the nation’s highest office. She joins a growing list of entertainers who have ventured into politics, including Funke Akindele, who contested as a deputy governorship candidate in 2023, and Tonto Dikeh, who also ran for deputy governor in the same election year.

Okereke is expected to contest against candidates from other political parties, including incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Other women who have secured presidential tickets for the 2027 election include Anita Zugwai-Chukwu of the Young Progressives Party and Ada Fredrick Okwori of the National Democratic Party.

Speaking at the convention, NRM National Chairman Chinedu Obi said the party was positioning itself to provide solutions to Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

He described the country’s problems as longstanding and called for visionary leadership capable of addressing poverty, insecurity and displacement caused by terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts.

According to Obi, the 2027 election offers an opportunity for Nigerians to embrace a new direction and leadership approach.

In her acceptance speech, Okereke described her nomination as a call to national service rather than a personal achievement.

She expressed concern over rising poverty, unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship, saying many Nigerians continue to face difficult living conditions despite the country’s vast natural resources.

The actress-turned-politician, however, said she remains optimistic about Nigeria’s future and pledged to pursue policies focused on unity, innovation, economic development and inclusive growth if elected.

Before entering politics, Okereke built a career in the Nigerian film industry, featuring in productions such as A Woman’s Plight, Wedding Saga, Crux, Enigma, Rebellion, Venom, Silent Sound, The Revealing, The Expected and My Wife and I.

Her emergence reflects the increasing participation of Nollywood personalities in electoral politics ahead of the 2027 polls. Other actors linked with elective ambitions include Emeka Ike, Zubby Michael, Foluke Daramola-Salako and Eniola Badmus.

Meanwhile, actress Doris Ogala recently secured the governorship ticket of the African Action Congress for the next election in Abia State.