By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Labour Party has officially ratified Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, following what it described as a broad-based consensus among party leaders, members and stakeholders.
The decision was confirmed after a meeting held in Abuja on May 30, 2026, where party stakeholders endorsed Okereke as the party’s flagbearer ahead of the next general election.
Speaking after his ratification, Okereke called on Nigerians to renew their confidence in the country, insisting that governance, not politics, must remain the central purpose of leadership.
“Politics should not be the purpose of government; governance should be the purpose of government,” he said.
He stressed that effective leadership must focus on improving citizens’ welfare through security, economic development, social progress and rebuilding trust in public institutions.
Okereke also said leadership must prioritise the dignity of citizens and expand opportunities for socio-economic advancement.
“We are convinced that when Nigerians prosper, Nigeria prospers. The people and governance must be placed ahead of politics,” he stated.
He lamented what he described as a deepening crisis of confidence among Nigerians, noting that many citizens have lost trust in government institutions and the country’s future prospects.
“Nigeria suffers not only from economic, security and institutional challenges but also from a crisis of confidence. Millions of Nigerians no longer believe in the promise of this country. Many no longer believe government can work, institutions can be trusted or merit can prevail,” he said.
The Labour Party candidate argued that successive administrations had focused more on the idea of Nigeria as a state, while neglecting the welfare of its people.
“Our greatest asset is not oil, minerals, land or government infrastructure. Our greatest asset is our people. Government and democracy must deliver happiness, opportunity and dignity to Nigerians wherever they may be,” he added.
Okereke pledged that, if elected, his administration would place citizens at the centre of governance and prioritise reforms in education, healthcare, security and economic productivity.
He noted that nation-building requires leadership that empowers citizens and creates enabling opportunities for sustainable growth.
“When citizens are educated, healthy, secure, productive and empowered, the nation prospers. But when they are neglected, divided and excluded, the nation weakens,” he said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s current challenges, including rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment, declining purchasing power, poor infrastructure, energy shortages, high maternal and infant mortality rates, and the growing number of out-of-school children.
Despite these challenges, Okereke expressed optimism that the country could overcome its difficulties through innovative policies, strategic investments and people-focused governance.
“These are real problems, but they also present real opportunities for transformative solutions and sustainable development,” he said.
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