Labour Party candidate shares plans as 1,211 candidates are approved for 2027 elections

The Labour Party presidential candidate, Chibuzo Okereke, has promised to focus on people-friendly governance if he wins the 2027 elections. His plan includes human capital development, social justice, and changes to institutions.

Mr Okereke made this promise during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. This meeting was to approve candidates for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and to give certificates of return to those who succeeded.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Okereke thanked party leaders like National Leader Alex Otti and National Chairman Nenadi Usman for giving him the party’s presidential ticket. He called the Labour Party a platform for Nigerian workers and ordinary people, dedicated to democratic socialism and inclusive growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Mr Okereke presented his “Nigerians First” vision at the event. He said this vision will focus on the welfare of citizens over politics. His plans include better security, economic stability, food security, quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, and honest governance.

The presidential candidate also suggested reforms. He wants to make the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) optional for graduates. He also wants to decentralise management of basic education and primary healthcare while strengthening public institutions.

He urged all Nigerians, especially youth, women, security personnel, professionals, and those unhappy with the current government to “believe again” in Nigeria’s future. Mr Okereke promised greater representation for women in leadership. He said a Labour Party government would work to restore public trust, create opportunities, and ensure real improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

Governor Otti of Abia, represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, praised the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for successfully holding primaries across the country. He said the exercise showed the party’s commitment to internal democracy, fairness, and the will of its members.

He noted that while there were winners and losers in the primaries, the greatest winner was still the party. The governor congratulated the successful candidates, asking them to see themselves as ambassadors of hope and agents of change as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

He pointed out that Nigerians look to the Labour Party for trustworthy leadership, progressive governance, and real solutions to the nation’s problems. He urged candidates to rise to this great responsibility.

Mr Otti also called on the successful candidates to reconcile with fellow aspirants and their supporters. He stressed that party contests should not cause long-term divisions. He encouraged candidates at all levels to work together, run coordinated campaigns, and present a united front.

The governor added that winning in 2027 will depend on party unity, discipline, and a shared commitment to giving Nigerians a credible alternative based on competence, integrity, and service.

Earlier, the party’s National Secretary, Iheanacho Obioma, shared the report of the primaries with the NEC. He mentioned that the Labour Party used both consensus and direct primary methods.

Mr Obioma said INEC officials, party representatives, accredited observers, and other stakeholders monitored the elections. He reported that the primaries were peaceful, transparent, and met all legal and party requirements.

He noted that successful candidates were chosen for presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state Houses of Assembly elections, with Mr Okereke as the presidential candidate. The party has filled 81 percent of available elective positions, producing about 1,211 candidates.

Mr Obioma then presented the list of successful candidates to the NEC for approval and later submission to INEC. He commended party leaders, committees, aspirants, and members for making the primaries successful.