The African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC), a Pan-African policy think tank, has endorsed Nigerian academic and diplomat Prof. Akasoba Duke-Abiola for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, urging President Bola Tinubu to formally nominate and back her candidature.
The endorsement comes ahead of the expiration of the second term of the current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, on December 31, 2026.
In a nomination letter made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), APRC Deputy Executive Coordinator, Prof. Edward Agbai, described Duke-Abiola as a distinguished public servant with the experience and credentials required to lead the global organisation.
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“We commend your distinguished record of public service and your willingness to serve the international community at the highest level,” Agbai said.
However, the think tank stressed that her ambition can only progress if she secures the formal nomination of the Nigerian government.
According to the consortium, the process for selecting a UN Secretary-General requires candidates to be officially presented by a UN member state to the President of the UN Security Council before consideration by the Security Council and eventual appointment by the General Assembly.
“For a Nigerian, the authority to submit such a nomination rests exclusively with the President of Nigeria through the appropriate constitutional and diplomatic channels of the Federal Government,” Agbai said.
“Consequently, any Nigerian aspiring to the office must first secure formal nomination and endorsement of the President of Nigeria before the candidature can be considered by the UN.”
The consortium argued that President Tinubu’s endorsement would not only strengthen Duke-Abiola’s chances but also reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic standing, particularly as the country seeks greater influence within the United Nations, including its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
It added that presenting Duke-Abiola would demonstrate Nigeria’s readiness to offer a candidate with “formidable intellectual, governmental and diplomatic stature” for one of the world’s most influential leadership positions.
The APRC also said her emergence would represent a significant milestone for Africa.
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“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 organisation stated.
Duke-Abiola, a professor of law, has built a career spanning human rights advocacy, diplomacy, security, sustainable development and global governance. She is also the widow of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of Nigeria’s annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The race to succeed Guterres is expected to gather momentum in the coming months, with member states expected to begin consultations and nominations ahead of the formal selection process.
