By Stella Odueme
A pharmacist, researcher, and businessman, Dr. Chris Orazulike, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency, pledging to prioritize electoral integrity and citizen engagement if elected.
Addressing journalists, Orazulike said his primary motivation for entering the race is to ensure that “votes count,” stressing that credible elections remain the foundation for Nigeria’s progress.
“Today marks an important milestone in my political aspiration as I officially declare my interest in the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. “A free and fair election is all that Nigeria needs to move forward.”
The presidential hopeful, who recently defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), described his new party as a growing platform focused on service to the people. He noted that the party is still building its structures nationwide ahead of its planned national convention and primaries.
Orazulike also unveiled a non-partisan initiative tagged the “Our Votes Must Count” movement, aimed at countering electoral malpractice through legal and strategic means.
According to him, the group is already developing structures from the national to polling unit levels to monitor and safeguard the electoral process.
“We are not going to fold our hands and watch people rig elections,” he said. “We will use lawful and intellectual strategies to ensure the will of the people prevails.”
On governance,
Orazulike outlined a minimalist manifesto centered on two key principles: listening to God, his conscience, and directly to Nigerians.
He promised to maintain open communication channels, including personally receiving calls from citizens to understand their concerns firsthand.
“Any leader who sincerely listens to the people and strives to do what they want will succeed,” he stated.
Speaking on policy direction, the candidate identified affordability as a major challenge in Nigeria’s healthcare system and called for reforms to improve access to services.
He also emphasized the need for expanded irrigation infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Beyond politics, Orazulike highlighted his long-term research project, the “FUDELT method,” which he claims is designed to address multiple diseases using food-based nutrients.
The product, he said, is currently undergoing preparations for regulatory evaluation and clinical trials.
While acknowledging the challenges of contesting against established political structures and incumbency advantages, Orazulike expressed confidence that a transparent electoral process would level the playing field.
“In a truly free and fair election, Nigerians will decide their future,” he said.
He also called for greater political awareness among citizens, urging them to resist vote-buying and demand accountability from leaders.
The NDC candidate is expected to participate in his party’s upcoming primaries as preparations intensify ahead of the next general election.
