Duke-Abiola Receives Support for UN Secretary-General Bid

Prof. Akasoba Duke-Abiola, the widow of Nigeria’s democracy icon MKO Abiola, has garnered the endorsement of the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC) for her bid to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, succeeding António Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026.

The APRC, a pan-African think tank, highlighted Duke-Abiola's extensive background in law, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development as qualifications for global leadership. Prof.

Edward Agbai, APRC’s Deputy Executive-Coordinator, communicated this support in a nomination letter to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He noted that the UN Secretary-General selection process requires formal backing from a member state, specifically calling for President Bola Tinubu to endorse Duke-Abiola’s candidacy.

Agbai emphasized that such support would enhance Nigeria’s representation in global governance and showcase the country’s capability to provide qualified leadership on the international stage.