A former Minister of State for Education and two-time member of the House of Representatives, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

9news Nigeria reports that Nwajiuba, a seasoned lawyer and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, said his decision to seek the nation’s highest office was driven by the need for a shift towards competence-based leadership in the country.

Speaking on his ambition, the former minister stressed that Nigeria’s growing socio-economic and political challenges require leaders with deep policy understanding, negotiation skills, and the capacity to build effective grassroots political structures.

According to him, rhetoric without substance has failed to address the country’s problems over the years.

“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,” he said.

Nwajiuba, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989, noted that his years of service across different arms of government have given him a holistic understanding of governance and public finance.

He pointed out that his experience as a lawmaker, minister, and head of a key national intervention agency had exposed him to the realities of policy formulation and implementation.

“My time in the legislature, the executive, and national institutions has prepared me for the task of leading a complex country like Nigeria,” he added.

9news Nigeria reports that with his declaration, Nwajiuba joins a growing list of politicians positioning themselves to shape the national discourse ahead of the most anticipated 2027 general elections.