Global support is gathering around the candidature of Akasoba Zainab Duke-Abiola, as networks across Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America increasingly identify her as a compelling choice for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

Duke-Abiola is the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election. Duke-Abiola is emerging as a candidate with an intercontinental foundation, expanding international support and a distinctly global mission.

Her candidature has gained significant momentum through the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC), a pan-African policy and research network operating in more than 20 African countries and connecting scholars, policy leaders, research institutions, development practitioners, and international partners across Africa and beyond.

Among the nations publicly associated with support for her candidature are: South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Barbados, Chile, and Kenya.

The wider APRC network also spans Nigeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, South Africa, and other African countries, with institutional links extending into the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Duke-Abiola’s growing international appeal rests on her ability to bridge regions and interests. A British-trained lawyer, jurist, human rights advocate, cybersecurity strategist, migration and border expert, and distinguished member of the National Institute, she brings a multidisciplinary record suited to the demands of contemporary global leadership.