Former Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has officially declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 general elections, leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to run on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Nwajiuba, a two-term member of the House of Representatives and former Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees, said his decision was motivated by a desire to usher in a new era of leadership based on competence and effective policy implementation.
Addressing supporters and the press, he criticised political slogans that lack tangible impact, emphasising that Nigeria’s complex socio-economic challenges require strategic negotiation, clear policies, and grassroots engagement.
“Nigeria’s challenges cannot be solved by slogans or emotional speeches alone. What we need is leadership anchored on clear policies, competence, and the ability to negotiate solutions that work for the people,” Nwajiuba said.
The legal professional, called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989, highlighted his extensive experience across the executive and legislative branches of government, noting that it has given him a holistic understanding of public finance and national governance.
“My time in the legislature, the executive, and national institutions has prepared me for the task of leading a complex country like Nigeria,” he added.
Nwajiuba’s move to the ADC marks a significant shift in the political landscape as parties realign ahead of 2027.
Recall that his declaration follows a trend of prominent politicians leaving major parties for alternative platforms to challenge the status quo, including the recent consolidation of South-East leaders into the ADC alongside Peter Obi.
