By Atlantic Reports

The presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Dr Esther Okereke, has pledged to prioritise roads, railways and basic services if elected, saying Nigerians at the grassroots must feel the impact of government.

Speaking during an interview in Abuja on Sunday, Okereke said her presidential ambition was informed by her experience of the difficulties ordinary Nigerians face in accessing transport, markets and healthcare.

She described herself as a grassroots candidate, arguing that her use of community services gave her an understanding of citizens’ daily struggles.

“I am called the grassroots candidate because I use the same roads, go to the same markets and visits the same hospitals as average Nigerian. I feel what they feel,” she said.

Infrastructure and Economic Security

Okereke criticised the condition of interstate roads, saying poor highways exposed travellers to hardship and safety risks while restricting economic activity.

Recounting a recent road journey to attend a family funeral, she said the experience reinforced her concerns about infrastructure outside the Federal Capital Territory.

“Building quality roads across all 36 states is not rocket science; we see infrastructure development happening in the FCT, so it can be replicated nationwide,” she said.

She linked access to reliable electricity, housing, food and good roads to greater economic independence, arguing that deprivation made citizens more vulnerable to electoral inducements.

“When people have good roads, steady power, housing, and food security, no one can buy their dignity or recruit their children for political thuggery,” she said.

The interview account did not set out the estimated cost, funding sources or delivery timetable for her proposed infrastructure programme. It also provided no detailed railway development plan.

Party Structures and Voter Mobilisation

Okereke said the NRM had established an organisational network across the 36 states, the FCT and all 774 local government areas.

She also claimed that the party’s mobilisation structures extended to wards and about 176,000 polling units nationwide. The account did not provide supporting details on the coverage or operational strength of those structures.

“We have built structures in every ward and polling unit across the country to give power back to the people,” she said.

A Pledge to Answer to Citizens

Okereke urged Nigerians to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to demand better leadership, rather than allow short-term inducements to determine their choices.

She said competence and accountability, rather than gender, should guide voters, and promised to explain how public resources were used if elected.

“I am contesting to be your servant, to serve you, to be your voice at the decision-making table,” she said.

She also encouraged voters to accept items distributed by political parties and candidates while voting according to their judgement. Her description of such gifts as voters’ money and entitlement was a political assertion; the interview account did not establish the source of the items or funds.

Her campaign message places infrastructure and public accountability at the centre of her bid. However, the implementation plans and financing needed to assess those promises were not detailed in the interview account.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.