‎BY AHMED AKANBI

‎Labour Party Presidential Candidate for 2027, Dr Chibuzo Okereke, has said that the selection of Hajja Bintu Konto as his running mate was guided solely by competence and capacity, not by gender, ethnicity or political patronage.

‎Okereke announced Konto’s nomination in a statement issued in Abuja weekend, following her ratification by the leadership of the Labour Party.

‎”This decision was guided by only one consideration: the best interests of Nigeria and the Nigerian people.

‎”It is entirely consistent with the Labour Party’s enduring commitment to competence, integrity, inclusion, social justice, and transformational leadership,” he explained.

‎The presidential candidate described Konto as a renowned nurse, accomplished public health specialist, humanitarian and development expert whose career has been devoted to improving lives and strengthening communities.

‎”I have absolutely no doubt that she would bring extraordinary value, strategic and compassionate insight to our presidential ticket and, by the grace of God, to the governance of our dear country,” he added.

‎Okereke stressed that his ‘Nigerians First’ campaign philosophy demands that leadership decisions be based on competence, character and measurable results.

‎”She was not selected because she is a woman. She was selected because she is exceptionally qualified, eminently capable, and fully prepared to serve Nigeria with distinction as Vice President,” he said.

‎The Labour Party candidate argued that mainstreaming women into leadership is a strategic necessity for national development, not political correctness.

‎”Nations that maximise the talents, creativity, and leadership of both men and women consistently build stronger institutions, more resilient economies, healthier communities, and more inclusive democracies.

‎”Women are not peripheral stakeholders in national development; they are indispensable partners in building the Nigeria of our dreams. Leaving women behind is like attempting to clap with one hand,” Okereke stated.

‎He said the Okereke/Konto ticket reflects the diversity and potential of Nigeria, and is founded on competence, experience and a commitment to place citizens first in every policy and decision of government.

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