Pan-African Think Tank Urges Tinubu to Nominate Zainab Duke-Abiola for UN Top Job

A pan-African policy organisation, the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally nominate Prof.

The consortium said Nigeria had an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s representation in global leadership by presenting Duke-Abiola for consideration to succeed outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said it had formally written to Tinubu through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urging the President to act on the proposed nomination.

It also disclosed that a separate letter had been sent to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, highlighting the need for urgent presidential intervention to secure Duke-Abiola’s candidacy.

The statement was jointly signed by Prof. Mondy Gold, Co-Chairperson of APRC’s Governing Council, and Dr Biki Minyuku, Convenor and Co-Chairperson of the council.

The consortium argued that the current leadership transition at the United Nations presented Nigeria with an opportunity to advance both Africa’s representation and women’s participation in international leadership.

It noted that Africa last occupied the position through Ghanaian diplomat Kofi Annan, whose tenure ended in 2006, while no woman has served as UN Secretary-General since the organisation’s establishment.

“We write with urgency because the moment is real, it is narrowing, and it may not return for a generation. Africa last held this office when Kofi Annan left it in 2006. In eight decades, no woman has held it at all. Nigeria now has the chance to answer both facts with one signature,” the consortium stated.

APRC described Duke-Abiola, widow of the late Nigerian politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, as a potential candidate whose professional experience spans international law, diplomacy, governance, peace and security, development and public administration.

It maintained that Nigeria should not delay its decision, particularly following Senegal’s withdrawal from the race, which it said had reduced Africa’s presence among potential contenders.

According to the organisation, Nigeria’s position as Africa’s most populous country and its longstanding involvement in international diplomacy place it in a strong position to present an African candidate.

The consortium stressed that its advocacy and endorsement could not replace the formal nomination required from a sovereign government.

“What the Consortium cannot do is substitute for the one act only a sovereign state can perform, which is a formal nomination of its citizen,” it said.

It also cited United Nations General Assembly Resolution 79/327, which encourages member states to consider nominating women for the position, arguing that Nigeria’s proposed nomination would align with efforts to improve gender representation in global leadership.

The organisation further disclosed that it had established an international advocacy platform for Duke-Abiola across Africa, the Caribbean and other regions.

It said engagements had also been undertaken with policy constituencies in South Africa, Chile and other countries, generating encouragement and prospects for diplomatic support.

APRC urged the Federal Government to translate the growing advocacy into formal action, arguing that Nigeria’s decision could influence Africa’s participation in the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General.

The call comes as the international community prepares for the transition from Guterres, whose second term as head of the United Nations is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026.