2027: ‘I’m the people’s candidate’
A 38-year-old political scientist and reformist, Francis Onyema, has declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election under the National Rescue Movement (NRM). Onyema declared
- NRM’s stalwart Onyema declares presidential bid
- From Jide Orintunsin, Abuja
A 38-year-old political scientist and reformist, Francis Onyema, has declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election under the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Onyema declared his ambition whle addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja.
The media briefing was attended by the National Management Committee of the NRM and members of the Francis Onyema Reformist Movement (FORM).
Apparently Nigeria’s youngest presidential aspirant, Onyema might be putting the “Not too Young to rule Act” to test.
The Delta-born aspirant positioned himself as a challenge to those he called the “rich and powerful” establishment, claiming his poised to changing the country’s political landscape.
Onyema’s declaration was marked by a sharp critique of the current leadership recruitment process, which he argued has favored wealth and “political structures” over competence and ideas.
“I am not running for president because I possess wealth, political structures, or the backing of powerful interests,” he declared.
“I am running because I believe that leadership in a democracy should not be the exclusive preserve of the rich and the powerful.
“It must also be open to ordinary citizens with ideas, courage, and a genuine commitment to serve the people,” he argued.
Addressing the socio-economic struggles facing Nigerians, Onyema directly linked the nation’s “decay” to a fundamental failure of leadership, noting that millions currently live in the “grip of fear” due to widespread insecurity under the present administration.
The centerpiece of Onyema’s “Make Nigeria Work for Everyone” vision is a controversial proposal to redefine who can participate in the democratic process.
Read Also: Nigeria launches injectable lenacapavir, pledges $346 million boost to HIV, TB, Malaria programmes
The presidential aspirant promised to introduce an Executive Bill that would “limited adult suffrage based on basic education”.
He added: “Under this proposal, only citizens aged 18 and above who possess basic education will be eligible to vote.
“This reform is intended to improve the quality of decision-making during elections and to eliminate the brazen culture of ‘mobilization,’ which has long served as a tool for manipulation.”
To support this shift, Onyema promised to make basic education “absolutely free,” promising to strictly prohibit “hidden fees” like PTA levies.
The NRM aspirant promised to also introduce the Adult Basic Literacy Scheme (ABLE), a multi-year communication and literacy module designed to qualify adults for the ballot box.
Announcing his plan for enhanced security, the presidential hopeful promised a pay hike, with a minimum salary of ₦500,000 for security officers within his first 100 days to curb corruption and boost the morale of our security operatives.
The alumnus of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) also promised to grant a ₦3 million start-up grant every NYSC member who graduates with a CGPA of 4.0 or higher to start business of their choice.
He pledged to overhaul the country’s healthcare system by establishing a ₦2 trillion Health Development Fund to end medical tourism.
Describing his candidacy as a “paradigm shift” necessary to rescue the country from a political class that treats the state as a means of “personal aggrandizement,” Onyema urged Nigerian youths to abandon ethnic and religious biases in favour of a “shared purpose”.
The NRM aspirant also urged Nigerians of goodwill to join the NRM in its quest for a national reorientation, emphasizing that the task before the country “is great, but the promise of Nigeria is greater”.
