Nigerian law professor and diplomat Akasoba Duke-Abiola has accepted her candidacy and endorsement by the African Policy and Research Consortium for the office of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Duke-Abiola, the widow of the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Abiola, confirmed this on Saturday in a statement responding to the endorsement, which was recently announced by the consortium.
The African Policy and Research Consortium involves government officials, scholars, policy experts, and development practitioners from Africa and other regions of the world.
Her endorsement comes as African stakeholders demand greater presence and influence in the leadership of important international organizations, with the UN secretary-generalship historically attracting candidates with substantial diplomatic, political, and international governance expertise.
Duke-Abiola viewed the nomination as a call to action, particularly in promoting the well-being of vulnerable groups, women, and children.
She said, “I receive with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility the nomination and endorsement extended to me by the African Nations through the instrumentality of the African Policy and Research Consortium and its distinguished network of the highest levels of government officials, scholars, policy leaders, and development practitioners across Africa and the globe.
“This honor is greater than personal recognition. I regard it as a solemn call to serve, especially the vulnerable communities, including women and children.”
The law professor’s doctorate in sustainable development, focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, strengthened her commitment to peace, justice, human dignity, and international cooperation.
She emphasized the consortium’s support for her candidacy, which spans multiple African countries and regions.
“That a network operating across the majority of the African countries, including South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Barbados, Chile, and other regions, has considered me worthy of this responsibility is both humbling and inspiring,” she said.
Duke-Abiola stated that the nomination also had a broader significance for African women and girls, especially those confronted by poverty, insecurity, early marriage, exclusion, and limited access to education.
“As an African woman, I understand the wider significance of this nomination,” she said.
“This endorsement sends a powerful message that African women can lead globally and that the dreams, dignity, and potential of every African child must remain central to the international agenda.”
The diplomat thanked heads of state, institutional partners, scholars, diplomats, public servants, and development advocates for their contributions to her nomination.
She also stated that she is consulting with family members, elders, statesmen, women, professional colleagues, diplomatic partners, and thought leaders in Africa and internationally.
“Given the magnitude of this responsibility, I have commenced broad consultations with family, elders, statesmen and women, professional colleagues, diplomatic partners, and leaders of thought across Africa and internationally,” she said.
“These consultations are being undertaken with the seriousness, wisdom, and reflection that this historic matter deserves.”
Duke-Abiola defined the UN Secretary-General’s position as a “sacred trust on behalf of humanity,” emphasizing that any choice on the subject must be guided by conscience, national interest, continental responsibility, and the promotion of world peace.
She stated that Africa required stronger intellectual and policy networks capable of finding practical answers and bridging gaps in the face of conflict, displacement, inequality, climate insecurity, and dwindling trust in international institutions.
She also encouraged women and children all across the world to believe in their abilities to contribute to society and pursue leadership positions.
“Never doubt your capacity to lead, govern wisely, and contribute meaningfully to humanity,” she said.
“Your circumstances must never define your destiny. Continue to pursue education, courage, and excellence, and continue to dream boldly.”
