The Labour Party presidential candidate, Chibuzo Okereke, has pledged to pursue a people-centred governance agenda anchored on human capital development, social justice and institutional reforms if elected in the 2027 general elections.

Mr Okereke made the pledge at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for approval of the candidates’ list for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and issuance of a certificate of return to successful candidates on Thursday in Abuja.

In his acceptance speech after receiving his certificate of return, Mr Okereke thanked the party leadership, including the National Leader, Alex Otti, and the National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, for entrusting him with the party’s presidential ticket.

He described the party as the political platform of Nigerian workers and ordinary citizens, committed to democratic socialism and inclusive development.

Mr Okereke unveiled a “Nigerians First” vision at the occasion.

He said that the vision would prioritise citizens’ welfare over politics through improved security, economic stabilisation, food security, quality education, healthcare, infrastructure and transparent governance.

The presidential candidate also proposed reforms, including making National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) optional for graduates and decentralising basic education and primary healthcare management as well as strengthening public institutions.

He urged Nigerians, particularly youths, women, security personnel, professionals and citizens disillusioned by governance challenges to “believe again” in the country’s future.

Mr Okereke also pledged greater representation for women in leadership, stressing that a Labour Party administration would focus on restoring public trust, creating opportunities and delivering measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

Mr Otti, represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, commended the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for the successful conduct of its primaries across the country.

Mr Otti described the exercise as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to internal democracy, fairness and the supremacy of members’ will.

Though he said that the primaries produced winners and losers, the greatest winner remained the party.

The governor congratulated the candidates who emerged from the primaries.

He urgedthem to see themselves as ambassadors of hope and agents of change, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He said Nigerians were looking up to the Labour Party for credible leadership, progressive governance and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges.

He added that the candidates must rise to the enormous responsibility placed on them.

Mr Otti also called on the successful candidates to immediately reconcile with fellow aspirants and their supporters, stressing that party contests should not create lasting divisions.

He urged candidates across constituencies, federal constituencies and senatorial districts to work together, run coordinated campaigns and present a united front.

The governor noted that victory in 2027 would depend on party unity, discipline and a shared commitment to offering Nigerians a credible alternative founded on competence, integrity and service.

Speaking earlier, the party’s national secretary, Iheanacho Obioma, while presenting the report of the primaries to NEC, stated that the Labour Party adopted both consensus and direct primary methods.

Mr Obioma said that the elections were monitored by INEC officials, party representatives, accredited observers and other stakeholders.

He stated that the reports indicated that the primaries were conducted peacefully, transparently and in substantial compliance with all legal and party requirements.

The national secretary reported that successful candidates emerged for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly elections, with Mr Okereke emerging as the party’s presidential candidate.

He said the party had successfully filled 81 per cent of available elective positions, producing approximately 1,211 candidates.

Mr Obioma, thereafter, presented the list of successful candidates to NEC for ratification and subsequent transmission to INEC, while commending party leaders, committees, aspirants and members for contributing to the successful conduct of the primaries. 

(NAN)