Nigerian law professor Akasoba Duke‑Abiola endorsed for UN Secretary‑General race

The pan‑African think tank African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC) has formally endorsed Nigerian law professor and human‑rights advocate Akasoba Duke‑Abiola as a candidate for the United Nations Secretary‑General position, which will be vacated by António Guterres on 31 December 2026. The endorsement, conveyed in a nomination letter signed by APRC Deputy Executive‑Coordinator Edward Agbai, highlights Duke‑Abiola’s record in public service, diplomacy, academia and advocacy, and calls for the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to submit an official nomination on her behalf. APRC notes that UN procedures require a member state to present a candidate’s name to the President of the UN Security Council, after which the Council reviews all nominees and recommends one to the General Assembly for appointment. Duke‑Abiola, the widow of the late democracy icon Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, is presented as a figure who could provide African leadership at the centre of global governance.