Labour Party (LP) has endorsed Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, unveiling a national renewal programme tagged “Believe Again” and built around a “Nigerians First” philosophy.
The endorsement was ratified at a hybrid meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held at its national headquarters in Utako, Abuja.
Accepting the nomination, Okereke pledged to rebuild public trust in government, strengthen national institutions, and ensure that citizens remain at the heart of public policy and governance.
Expressing appreciation to party leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him, the LP presidential candidate said Nigeria’s progress depends on the prosperity and well-being of its people.
He described the Labour Party as a platform representing workers, professionals, artisans, farmers, women, youths, persons living with disabilities, and other ordinary Nigerians seeking social justice and inclusive governance.
Okereke commended the party’s National Leader, Dr. Alex Otti, for what he described as people-centred governance in Abia State, noting that such leadership should serve as a model for national development. He also acknowledged the contributions of National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, members of the National Working Committee, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and party supporters across the country and in the diaspora.
Unveiling his vision for the country, Okereke said the “Believe Again” campaign seeks to restore hope among Nigerians who have become disillusioned with public institutions and the nation’s development trajectory.
According to him, the country’s greatest asset is not its natural resources but the talent, resilience, and potential of its people.
The Labour Party candidate outlined a five-point agenda centred on security and national unity, economic recovery and food security, education and healthcare reforms, institutional strengthening and good governance, as well as national cohesion.
On security, he advocated a comprehensive approach involving citizens, communities, and security agencies, while promising to modernise the nation’s armed forces and law enforcement institutions.
He also pledged to tackle barriers to investment by addressing power shortages, infrastructure deficits, policy inconsistencies, and regulatory challenges. As part of his economic agenda, he proposed decentralising the electricity grid and promoting stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to accelerate regional development.
In the education and healthcare sectors, Okereke promised increased investment in foundational education, technical and digital skills, research and innovation, as well as expanded access to quality healthcare services.
The presidential hopeful further proposed institutional reforms, including the adoption of zero-based budgeting, stronger anti-corruption measures, digitisation of public services, and merit-driven recruitment across government institutions.
Among other policy proposals, he advocated transferring responsibility for basic education and primary healthcare to local governments and making participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) optional for most graduates, except those in designated professional fields.
To promote national reconciliation and unity, Okereke proposed the establishment of a National Day of Peace and Forgiveness aimed at fostering healing and strengthening inter-ethnic and inter-faith relations.
Addressing various groups, including security personnel, farmers, entrepreneurs, pensioners, women, youths, and academics, he repeatedly urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and embrace the possibility of transformational leadership.
He assured that a Labour Party administration would prioritise service, accountability, and national development above partisan interests.
“A Labour Party government will place governance above politics, service above power, and national development above partisan interests,” Okereke stated.
