As momentum builds toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, political scientist Francis Onyema has formally notified former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan of his intention to contest for the presidency.
The 38-year-old Delta State-born aspirant is set to run under the platform of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), positioning himself as a reform-driven alternative to Nigeria’s traditional political class.
In what his campaign team described as a strategic consultation phase, Onyema has also reached out to prominent national figures, including the Oba of Benin, the Emir of Kano, and human rights lawyer Femi Falana.
According to a statement by the Onyema Campaign Organisation (OCO), March 25, 2026, has been fixed for the formal declaration of his presidential ambition in Abuja.
The group described Onyema as an advocate of rational and issue-based governance, stressing that his candidacy represents a shift from entrenched political elites to what he termed a “Reformist Class.”
“The search for credible leadership must extend beyond the traditional political class,” Onyema stated in his correspondence to national leaders, urging a transition toward solution-driven governance.
At the declaration event, the aspirant is expected to unveil a policy framework titled “From the Political Class to the Reformist (Solution) Class,” outlining his vision for leadership transformation and national development.
He also challenged Nigerians to adopt a more critical approach in evaluating candidates, insisting that elections should be driven by ideas rather than rhetoric or financial influence.
“Nigeria’s democratic progress depends on citizens choosing leaders based on clear, credible, and practical solutions,” Onyema said.
The event is expected to draw media stakeholders, civil society organisations, youth leaders, and political observers, as conversations around leadership reform and issue-based politics gain traction ahead of the 2027 polls.