A pan-African think tank has endorsed the candidacy of Professor Akasoba Duke-Abiola for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, describing her potential emergence as an opportunity for Nigeria and Africa to take a stronger leadership role in global affairs.
The African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC) said Duke-Abiola’s experience in law, diplomacy, human rights advocacy and sustainable development makes her a strong candidate to succeed outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose tenure is expected to end on December 31, 2026.
Duke-Abiola, a Nigerian law professor and stateswoman, is the widow of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the acclaimed winner of Nigeria’s annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The June 12 struggle became one of Nigeria’s most defining democratic moments, symbolising the country’s pursuit of justice, popular mandate and democratic governance.
Announcing its support, APRC said Duke-Abiola’s professional background and public service record position her as a Nigerian capable of contributing meaningfully to international leadership.
Professor Edward Agbai, the consortium’s Deputy Executive-Coordinator, conveyed the organisation’s endorsement in a nomination letter made available in Abuja.
“We commend your distinguished record of public service and your willingness to serve the international community at the highest level,” Agbai stated.
However, the group noted that the UN selection process requires official nomination by a member state before any candidate can be considered.
Agbai explained that nominations are submitted by UN member states to the President of the UN Security Council, after which the Security Council reviews candidates and recommends a nominee to the General Assembly for appointment.
He stressed that Nigeria’s President, through constitutional and diplomatic channels, holds the authority to formally present a Nigerian candidate.
The consortium therefore appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support Duke-Abiola’s candidature, arguing that Nigeria’s backing would strengthen Africa’s representation in one of the world’s most influential leadership positions.
APRC said presenting Duke-Abiola as Nigeria’s candidate would demonstrate the continent’s ability to provide solutions and leadership on issues including peacebuilding, diplomacy, development and institutional reform.
“For Africa, her candidature would represent the continent not as a passive recipient of international policy, but as a source of global leadership, ideas, mediation, institutional wisdom and moral authority,” the group said.
The push comes as discussions begin over the succession of Guterres, who has headed the United Nations since 2017.
Supporters of Duke-Abiola believe her possible emergence would carry both diplomatic and historical significance, connecting Nigeria’s democratic legacy of June 12 with a broader ambition for African leadership on the global stage.
