By Ahmed Akanbi
The Labour Party has ratified the outcome of its 2026 primaries and unveiled Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, as party leaders appealed for unity to strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.
The decisions were taken at the party’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Abuja on Thursday under the leadership of National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman.
Senator Usman called on members to set aside internal differences and work collectively for the party’s growth.
“In every situation, in every political party, even in every household, there will always be some people who are not satisfied. I want to appeal that we sheath our swords and work together for the growth of our party,” she said.
The National Chairman also directed members to participate in the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration, noting that INEC no longer accepts manual registers.
“Membership registration is ongoing. The portal for e-registration is there and it is compulsory. INEC no longer accepts hard copies. Please, let us ensure that all our members are registered on the portal,” she said.
Usman added that the registration link would be circulated to state chapters to ensure wider participation.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, urged members not to allow primary contests to create permanent divisions.
“The contest is over; the assignment has just begun. Our opponents will seek to exploit divisions among us. We must not give them the opportunity,” he said.
Otti charged successful candidates to reconcile with fellow aspirants and supporters, stressing that they must serve as “ambassadors of hope” and mobilise support nationwide.
National Secretary, Iheabacho Obioma, presented the official report of the 2026 primaries to NEC.
He said the exercise complied with the 1999 Constitution, Electoral Act 2022, Labour Party Constitution, and INEC guidelines.
According to Obioma, the primaries produced candidates for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections through “largely peaceful and transparent processes.”
He stated that NEC was expected to ratify the report and transmit the final list of candidates to INEC in line with the electoral timetable.
Accepting his nomination, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke thanked Governor Otti, Senator Usman, the National Working Committee, NEC, and party supporters in Nigeria and the diaspora for the confidence reposed in him.
“I accept this nomination with full understanding of the weight of responsibility it carries, and I pledge to run a campaign driven by service and accountability,” he said.
Okereke described the Labour Party as a platform for workers, professionals, and ordinary Nigerians founded on social justice.
He unveiled his “Nigerians First” agenda, saying governance must prioritise citizens’ welfare, human development, and job creation above partisan politics.
The presidential candidate also introduced his “Believe Again” message and proposed reforms in education, healthcare, agriculture, and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
He further advocated national reconciliation through the creation of a National Day of Peace and Forgiveness.