Nollywood actress and filmmaker Esther Nkem Okereke has officially entered the 2027 presidential race after winning the National Rescue Movement (NRM) ticket at the party's primary in Abuja. The actress, known for films like A Woman's Plight, Wedding Saga, and Crux, says her humanitarian work pushed her into politics. She has unveiled the ESTHER Agenda, a policy framework targeting education, security, technology, housing, entrepreneurship, and restitution.
From Nollywood to the Presidential Race
Okereke's transition from entertainment to politics marks a significant shift for the actress, who has spent years building a career in Nollywood as both an actress and producer. Her filmography includes titles such as Enigma, Rebellion, Venom, Silent Sound, The Revealing, The Expected, and My Wife and I. Beyond acting, she has been involved in business and humanitarian activities, reportedly with interests in construction, real estate, hospitality, and sports, while also running foundations focused on supporting vulnerable groups.
In an interview with TheCable Lifestyle, Okereke explained that her decision to enter politics was influenced by her experiences working with people in need and her frustration with the challenges facing Nigerians. She described how her foundation initially focused on caring for inmates, prisoners, pensioners, and uniformed personnel, all done single-handedly. "We started our foundation to take care of inmates, prisoners, pensioners, and uniformed personnel. All of this was being done single-handedly. No grants, no support from anywhere," she said.
The ESTHER Agenda and Political Vision
After securing the NRM ticket, Okereke unveiled what she called the ESTHER Agenda, a framework built around issues including education, security, technology, housing, entrepreneurship, and restitution. She said the agenda represents her vision for addressing Nigeria's challenges, including electricity, insecurity, education, and economic development.
Okereke has also pushed back against the idea that her political ambition is based only on her celebrity status. In interviews, she has described herself as more than an actress, pointing to her humanitarian work and experience with communities. "I'm not just an actress. I am a humanitarian in politics, I would say that. I run foundations that cater to the widows, orphans, and those living with disabilities," she said.
A Growing Trend of Entertainers in Politics
Okereke's move into politics places her among a growing number of Nigerian entertainers who have moved into public office or sought elective positions. Nollywood figures such as Funke Akindele and Tonto Dikeh previously contested political offices in the 2023 elections. Okereke's decision to contest the presidency, rather than a lesser office, reflects her belief that real change requires being at the decision-making table. "There is a reserved seat for women. Why not in the executive? So, I picked the presidential seat. That is where the decisions are being made," she said.
As the 2027 election approaches, Okereke's journey represents a new chapter in her career — one that began on movie sets and has now taken her into the race for Nigeria's presidency. Her candidacy will be tested against other contenders as the political season intensifies.
