Chibuzo Okereke, the Labour Party presidential candidate, has pledged to pursue a people-centred governance agenda focused on human capital development, social justice, and institutional reforms if elected in the 2027 general elections. He made this commitment during the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, where the candidates' list was approved for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and certificates of return were issued to successful candidates.
Acceptance Speech
In his acceptance speech after receiving his certificate of return, Okereke thanked the party leadership, including National Leader Alex Otti and 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, dedicated to democratic socialism and inclusive development.
Nigerians First Vision
Okereke unveiled a “Nigerians First” vision, prioritizing citizens' welfare over politics through improved security, economic stabilization, food security, quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, and transparent governance. He also proposed reforms such as making the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) optional for graduates, decentralizing basic education and primary healthcare management, and strengthening public institutions.
He urged Nigerians, particularly youth, women, security personnel, professionals, and those disillusioned by governance challenges, to “believe again” in the country's future. Okereke pledged greater representation for women in leadership, emphasizing that a Labour Party administration would focus on restoring public trust, creating opportunities, and delivering measurable improvements in Nigerians' lives.
Governor Otti's Remarks
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, represented by his deputy Ikechukwu Emetu, commended the party's National Working Committee (NWC) for successfully conducting primaries across the country. He described the exercise as a demonstration of the party's commitment to internal democracy, fairness, and the supremacy of members' will. Although the primaries produced winners and losers, Otti noted that the greatest winner remained the party.
The governor congratulated the candidates who emerged, urging them to see themselves as ambassadors of hope and agents of change as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. He stated that Nigerians look to the Labour Party for credible leadership, progressive governance, and practical solutions to the nation's challenges, adding that candidates must rise to the responsibility placed on them.
Otti called on successful candidates to 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. Victory in 2027 would depend on party unity, discipline, and a shared commitment to offering Nigerians a credible alternative based on competence, integrity, and service.
Primaries Report
Earlier, the party's National Secretary, Iheanacho Obioma, presented the primaries report to NEC, stating that the Labour Party adopted both consensus and direct primary methods. He said the elections were monitored by INEC officials, party representatives, accredited observers, and other stakeholders. The reports indicated that the primaries were conducted peacefully, transparently, and in substantial compliance with all legal and party requirements.
Obioma reported that successful candidates emerged for presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state Houses of Assembly elections, with Okereke emerging as the party's presidential candidate. The party filled 81 percent of available elective positions, producing approximately 1,211 candidates. Obioma then presented the list of successful candidates to NEC for ratification and subsequent transmission to INEC, commending party leaders, committees, aspirants, and members for contributing to the successful conduct of the primaries.
