Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, former Minister of State for Education and two-time member of the House of Representatives, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Nigerian presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The announcement was made in a statement issued by his office on Monday, January 19, 2026.
In the statement, Nwajiuba, who also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), said Nigeria’s current socio-economic and political challenges require leadership anchored on clear policy direction, strong negotiation skills and a robust grassroots political structure rather than rhetoric.
Describing his decision as a response to the growing demand for competent leadership, Nwajiuba said his extensive experience in governance across the legislative and executive arms has equipped him with a deep understanding of public finance and national administration.
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 and has held positions in both the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.
“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,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Nwajiuba said his campaign will prioritise major national issues, including comprehensive education reform, economic stabilisation and the restoration of public trust in government institutions.
He positioned his ambition as a “competence-first” approach to leadership, asserting that practical solutions and institutional knowledge should form the backbone of national governance.
The former minister’s declaration represents a significant political shift, as he moves from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC, a smaller opposition party seeking to present alternative leadership ahead of the 2027 poll. His entry adds to a growing list of aspirants in an increasingly competitive electoral landscape.
Analysts note that political realignments and the emergence of candidates from diverse platforms reflect broader trends in Nigeria’s evolving multi-party system, where smaller parties such as the ADC are seeking to broaden their appeal and challenge established political formations.
Nwajiuba’s declaration places him among several contenders expected to shape national discussions ahead of the general elections, as political actors articulate distinct policy visions and leadership priorities for Nigeria’s future.
