GistReel
The Labour Party has formally endorsed Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, citing overwhelming support among party officials, members, and stakeholders.
The decision was announced following a meeting in Abuja on May 30, 2026, where party stakeholders backed Okereke as the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming general election.
Following his confirmation, Okereke urged Nigerians to rebuild their trust in the country, emphasizing that governance, not politics, should remain the primary goal of leadership.
“Politics should not be the purpose of government; governance should be the purpose of government,” he stated.
He emphasized that effective leadership must prioritize enhancing residents’ well-being through security, economic development, social progress, and restoring faith in public institutions.
Okereke also stated that authorities must prioritise individuals’ dignity and offer possibilities for economic progress.
“We believe that when Nigerians succeed, Nigeria prospers. “People and governance must come before politics,” he said.
He decried what he saw as a worsening crisis of confidence among Nigerians, adding that many residents had lost faith in government institutions and the country’s prospects.
“Nigeria faces not just economic, security, and institutional issues, but also a crisis of confidence. Millions of Nigerians have lost faith in their country’s future. Many people no longer believe in government, faith in institutions, or the rule of merit,” he remarked.
The Labour Party candidate stated that successive administrations have prioritized the notion of Nigeria as a state over the well-being of its people.
“Our most valuable asset is not oil, minerals, land, or government infrastructure. Our most valuable asset is our people. “Government and democracy must bring happiness, opportunity, and dignity to Nigerians wherever they are,” he said.
Okereke promised that if elected, his administration would put citizens first and prioritise improvements in education, healthcare, security, and economic production.
He emphasized the importance of leadership in nation-building, which empowers citizens and generates chances for long-term progress.
“When citizens are educated, healthy, secure, industrious, and empowered, the country thrives. But when they are ignored, divided, and excluded, the nation suffers,” he stated.
He emphasized Nigeria’s existing issues, such as rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment, diminishing buying power, inadequate infrastructure, energy shortages, high maternal and newborn mortality rates, and an increasing number of out-of-school children.
Despite these hurdles, Okereke expressed confidence that the country’s troubles could be addressed by new policies, strategic investments, and people-centered government.
“These are real problems, but they also present real opportunities for transformative solutions and sustainable development,” he stated.