A former Minister of State for Education and two-time member of the House of Representatives, Dr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba,has formally declared his interest in contesting the 2027 Presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Nwajiuba, a seasoned lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in1989 and a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), enters the race with a message anchored on what he describes as a “competence-first” approach to leadership.

His declaration signals the entry of a candidate who is positioning experience, policy depth, and institutional knowledge at the centre of national governance.

Speaking on his ambition, Nwajiuba emphasized that Nigeria’s current challenges require leadership driven by clear policies, effective negotiation skills, and a strong grassroots political structure rather than rhetoric.

He noted that his years in the legislature, the executive arm of government, and key national institutions have equipped him with a broad understanding of governance and public finance.

The former minister is expected to focus his campaign on education reform, economic stabilization, and rebuilding public trust in government institutions.

Political observers say his entry into the race under the ADC platform adds a new dimension to the evolving presidential contest, particularly as smaller parties seek to present alternative leadership choices to Nigerians.

With his declaration, Nwajiuba joins a growing list of aspirants aiming to shape the national conversation ahead of the next general election, as debates around competence, experience, and inclusive governance continue to gain momentum.