Labour Party affirms Okereke as flag-bearer; launches ‘believe again’ vision

By John Alechenu, ABUJA

The Labour Party, LP, on Thursday confirmed Dr Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections as he rolled out an ambitious “Believe Again” vision built around a “Nigerians First” philosophy.

Okereke’s ratification came during a hybrid meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, at the LP national headquarters in Utako, Abuja.

Accepting the nomination, the candidate promised leadership that would restore citizens’ trust in government and rebuild national institutions.

“I thank the party leadership, members and stakeholders for this mandate. Our conviction is straightforward: when Nigerians prosper, Nigeria prospers,” Okereke said.

He described LP as the political home of workers, professionals, artisans, farmers, women, youths, persons with disabilities and ordinary citizens, calling it Nigeria’s “party of first choice” and the authentic vehicle for democratic socialism and social justice.

The flagbearer paid special tribute to LP National Leader Dr Alex Otti, saying his people-focused governance in Abia should be replicated nationwide. He also acknowledged National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman; the National Working Committee; Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; Trade Union Congress, TUC; and LP supporters across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Okereke said the “Believe Again” mantra was a response to Nigeria’s crisis of confidence, where citizens have lost faith in institutions, meritocracy and the possibility of a better future. He argued that the country’s greatest asset is its people, not natural resources.

The LP candidate outlined a five-pillar recovery blueprint: national security and unity; economic stabilisation, food security and productive growth; education and healthcare; institutional reforms and good governance; and national unity and social cohesion.

On security, he pledged a whole-of-society strategy and modernisation of the military and other security agencies. Economically, he promised to remove barriers to investment such as power shortages, infrastructure gaps, policy flip-flops and regulatory bottlenecks. He proposed decentralising the national grid and deeper collaboration with states to unlock regional economic potential.

For education and healthcare, Okereke vowed to invest in foundational learning, technical skills, digital literacy, research and expanded healthcare access to make Nigeria globally competitive.

He also proposed far-reaching institutional reforms, including zero-based budgeting, stronger anti-corruption accountability, digitisation of public services and merit-based recruitment. Key federal agencies would be reviewed, while basic education and primary healthcare would be transferred to local governments. He added that NYSC participation would become optional for most graduates, except those in selected disciplines.

To address divisions, Okereke canvassed a National Day of Peace and Forgiveness to promote healing and strengthen interethnic and interreligious harmony.

Speaking directly to security personnel, farmers, pensioners, women, youths, academics and entrepreneurs, he repeatedly urged Nigerians to “Believe Again” in the country’s future and in transformative leadership.

“A Labour Party government will put governance above politics, service above power, and national development above partisan interests,” he assured.

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