LP Chieftain Peter Agada Declares 2027 Presidential Bid
Peter Agada, a prominent chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Benue State, officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election on Friday. He made the declaration during a historic visit to the Och'Idoma Palace, where he informed the Paramount Ruler, Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, of his aspiration to lead Nigeria. The event attracted a large gathering of palace chiefs, youth groups, and traditional aides, creating a festive atmosphere with chants and cultural performances.
Labour Direct Policy Blueprint
Agada, who served as the immediate past Director of Finance of the Obedient Movement, arrived with a delegation of young professionals and political allies. Addressing the royal court, he outlined his policy blueprint, called Labour Direct, which aims to tackle insecurity, mass youth unemployment, the weakening naira, infrastructure decay, and broken trust in governance. He described these as major challenges facing the nation.
Under Labour Direct, Agada pledged to implement a community-led security architecture integrated with technology to protect farms and cities. For job creation, he proposed establishing industrial hubs in each geopolitical zone, focusing on agro-processing and solid minerals, with direct links to youth employment. He also promised a national skills-to-industry programme, along with urgent reforms in education and primary healthcare to strengthen human capital development.
Agada stated, "Nigeria needs execution, not excuses. Labour Direct is about putting Nigerians to work, securing them, skilling them, and giving them a stake."
Background and Royal Response
Agada is a member of the Big Tent Shadow Government, serving as Minister of Infrastructure, Energy, Works, Housing and Urban Development. He is also the Chairman of the Big Tent Support Group Council. Professionally, he is the Founder and Chairman of Cyrus Group Nigeria, the world's largest acoustics organization, and has been President of the Congress of Nigerian Professionals since 2006.
HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John expressed being "thrilled and excited" that young people are uniting and networking. He praised Agada's boldness and demonstration of strength and capacity, calling it a source of pride for Idoma land. However, the royal father issued a charge, saying, "Unity amongst the Idoma has been largely lacking. If we must present our best to Nigeria, we must first be one at home." He offered royal blessings and prayed for the project's success, urging all Idoma people at home and abroad to support and pray for their own.
As the prayers concluded, the palace erupted in chants, with drummers and youth groups celebrating the moment. Agada's camp announced that nationwide consultations under the Labour Direct banner will begin in May.
