Nigerian law professor and diplomat, Akasoba Duke-Abiola, has accepted an endorsement by the African Policy and Research Consortium for her candidacy for the position of United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, as the race to succeed António Guterres gathers momentum.
Duke-Abiola, widow of the late businessman and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, said on Saturday that she received the endorsement with “profound humility” and regarded it as a call to serve humanity, particularly vulnerable communities, women and children.
The development comes as the United Nations prepares for a new Secretary-General following Guterres’ second term, which ends on December 31, 2026.
According to the consortium, its membership includes government officials, scholars, policy leaders and development practitioners across Africa and other parts of the world.
Duke-Abiola said the backing went beyond personal recognition, describing it as an opportunity to promote the interests of African women and children on the global stage.
“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.”
She said her recent academic work in sustainable development, particularly around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, had reinforced her commitment to peace, justice, human dignity and international cooperation.
The professor also disclosed that she had begun consultations with family members, elders, statesmen and 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, leaders of thought across Africa and internationally,” she said.
The consortium’s Deputy Executive Coordinator, Professor Edward Agbai, said Duke-Abiola’s record in law, diplomacy, human rights advocacy and sustainable development made her suitable for the global office.
He described the Secretary-Generalship as one of the most significant leadership positions in international governance and said it required exceptional personal qualifications, diplomatic experience and global credibility.
Agbai also said Duke-Abiola’s candidacy could provide Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen its influence at the United Nations and support Africa’s wider campaign for greater representation in global institutions.
However, the endorsement is not the same as an official UN nomination.
Under the UN selection process, candidates must be formally nominated by a Member State or group of Member States. The Security Council then considers the candidates before recommending one to the General Assembly for appointment.
The distinction means Duke-Abiola would require formal backing from Nigeria or another UN Member State before becoming an official candidate in the UN process.
The 2026 succession contest is already underway, with several candidates formally nominated and subjected to public interactive dialogues at the General Assembly.
The next Secretary-General will inherit a United Nations facing conflicts, humanitarian crises, geopolitical divisions, development challenges and growing questions over the effectiveness of multilateral institutions.
Duke-Abiola said Africa needed stronger intellectual and policy networks to develop practical responses to conflict, displacement, inequality, climate insecurity and declining public confidence in international institutions.
She described the Secretary-Generalship as a “sacred trust on behalf of humanity”, saying any decision on her candidacy must be guided by conscience, national interest, continental responsibility and the pursuit of global peace.
She also urged women and children to remain confident in their capacity to shape society.
“Never doubt your capacity to lead, govern wisely and contribute meaningfully to humanity,” she said.
For now, Duke-Abiola’s endorsement marks the opening of a potentially significant campaign, but its progression into the formal UN contest will depend on securing the required state-level nomination.
