The Labour Party has officially confirmed Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, reaffirming its commitment to a governance agenda focused on citizens’ welfare and national development.
Okereke’s ratification follows his emergence as the party’s presidential flagbearer through a consensus arrangement reached by party leaders, members, and stakeholders during a meeting held in Abuja on May 30, 2026.
Speaking after his confirmation, Okereke called on Nigerians to regain confidence in the country, emphasizing that governance should take precedence over political interests.
According to the Labour Party candidate, the primary responsibility of any government should be to improve the lives of citizens through effective policies and responsible leadership.
“Politics should not be the purpose of government; governance should be the purpose of government,” he said.
He stressed that leadership must focus on protecting citizens, creating economic opportunities, improving social welfare, and rebuilding trust in public institutions.
“We are convinced that when Nigerians prosper, Nigeria prospers. The people and governance must be placed ahead of politics,” he stated.
Okereke expressed concern about what he described as a declining level of public trust in government and national institutions.
According to him, many Nigerians no longer believe in the country’s potential or the ability of public institutions to deliver meaningful change.
“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 have focused more on the idea of nationhood while neglecting the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“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 by prioritising investments in education, healthcare, security, and economic development.
He maintained that sustainable nation-building can only be achieved when citizens are empowered and provided with opportunities to succeed.
“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.
The Labour Party candidate also pointed to several pressing issues facing Nigeria, including rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment, declining purchasing power, inadequate infrastructure, energy challenges, high maternal and infant mortality rates, and the growing number of out-of-school children.
Despite these challenges, Okereke expressed confidence that Nigeria can overcome its difficulties through innovative policies, strategic investments, and leadership focused on the needs of the people.
“These are real problems, but they also present real opportunities for transformative solutions and sustainable development,” he said.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
