The Strategic Democratic Alliance (SDA), a broad coalition of concerned citizens, youth leaders, professionals, civil society advocates, faith-based organizations, business owners, academics, and community stakeholders, has passionately called on Emmanuel Asekhame to contest for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The coalition said the call is driven by the urgent need for credible leadership, bold reforms, and genuine national transformation at a time when Nigeria faces mounting socio-economic and security challenges, alongside growing public frustration over the state of the nation.
According to the group, Nigerians across all regions of the country are increasingly united in their desire for leadership defined by vision, competence, compassion, accountability, and the courage to confront the long-standing problems affecting millions of citizens.
The coalition observed that many Nigerians continue to endure severe hardship as insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, unemployment, inflation, and economic instability place enormous pressure on families and businesses.
It noted that the rising cost of living has made basic necessities increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens, while small and medium-sized enterprises struggle under high operating costs, limited access to capital, and an unpredictable economic environment.
The group further highlighted the persistent challenge of unreliable electricity supply, describing it as a major impediment to economic growth and national development.
According to the coalition, the continued dependence on expensive alternative power sources has significantly increased operational costs for businesses and worsened the financial burden on households.
The coalition also expressed deep concern over the growing rate of youth unemployment and the increasing migration of talented young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad due to frustration and declining confidence in the system.
It stressed that many young people feel disconnected from governance and are yearning for leaders who understand their realities and are committed to creating pathways for opportunity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.
In addition, the coalition noted that the nation’s education and healthcare systems continue to face serious challenges, leaving millions of families with limited access to quality services and diminishing hope for a stronger future.
Speaking on the leadership qualities required at this critical moment in Nigeria’s history, the coalition stated that the country needs a new generation of leadership grounded in integrity, competence, accountability, and practical experience.
The group described Emmanuel Asekhame as a leader with a diverse background in technology, business transformation, community development, and organizational leadership.
It stated that his experience positions him as someone capable of uniting Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional lines while promoting inclusion, national cohesion, and progressive governance.
According to the coalition, his leadership approach and professional background could help drive innovative solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, economic revitalization, improved electricity generation and distribution, job creation, infrastructure modernization, and the restoration of public confidence in national institutions.
The coalition concluded by stating that Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its history and that citizens are increasingly demanding leadership that listens, acts decisively, and delivers measurable results.
It emphasized that the nation cannot continue on a path of unfulfilled promises and called for leaders who are prepared to place the interests of the Nigerian people above politics and personal ambition.
The Strategic Democratic Alliance therefore called on Emmanuel Asekhame to answer what it described as a growing national appeal and join the collective effort to rebuild hope, restore trust in leadership, and help secure a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.