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ABUJA – Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Dr Chibuzo Okereke, has called for setting aside a day for national healing and strengthening of inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony.
Dr Okereke who tagged the proposed day, “National Day of Peace and Forgiveness” outlined a comprehensive national recovery blueprint built around five strategic pillars: national security and unity; economic stabilisation, food security and productive growth; education and healthcare; institutional reforms and good governance; and national unity and social cohesion.
On security, he promised a whole-of-society approach to combating insecurity while rebuilding and modernising the military and security architecture.
Okereke made the disclosure during a hybrid meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party at its national headquarters in Utako, Abuja, on Thursday,
According to the Labour Party presidential hopeful who was officially ratified during the NEC, if elected president of Nigeria, his model will be a people-focused leadership whose governance style could be replicated nationally to drive sustainable development.
Speaking Okereke accepted his nomination and pledged to provide visionary leadership capable of restoring citizens’ confidence in government and national institutions.
- The newly ratified candidate expressed gratitude to the party leadership, members, and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him. He paid special tribute to the party’s National Leader, Dr. Alex Otti, describing him
Okereke 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 Labour Party supporters across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Declaring that the Labour Party remains the political platform of workers, ordinary citizens, professionals, artisans, farmers, women, youths, and persons with disabilities, Okereke described the party as Nigeria’s “party of first choice” and the true vehicle for democratic socialism and social justice.
Central to his acceptance speech was the unveiling of a governance philosophy anchored on the slogan “Nigerians First! Believe Again.” According to him, the vision represents a departure from governance models focused on preserving political power and state interests, instead prioritising the welfare, security, prosperity, and dignity of citizens.
“Our belief is simple: when Nigerians prosper, Nigeria prospers,” he said, arguing that the country’s greatest asset is its people rather than its natural resources.
Okereke noted that Nigeria faces a crisis of confidence, with many citizens losing faith in government institutions, meritocracy, and the possibility of a better future. He said the “Believe Again” mantra was designed to inspire national renewal and restore trust through responsible leadership and measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
In the economic sector, he pledged to address structural barriers to investment and enterprise growth, including power shortages, infrastructure deficits, policy inconsistency, and regulatory bottlenecks. He also proposed the decentralisation of the national power grid and increased collaboration with states to harness regional economic strengths.
The candidate identified education and healthcare as critical drivers of national development, promising investments in foundational education, technical skills, digital literacy, research, and healthcare access to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Okereke also proposed sweeping institutional reforms, including the introduction of zero-based budgeting, stronger anti-corruption accountability mechanisms, digitisation of public services, and merit-based recruitment across government agencies.
Among his more far-reaching proposals were plans to review the operations of key federal agencies, transfer greater responsibilities for basic education and primary healthcare to local governments, and make participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) optional for most graduates, except those in selected disciplines.
Addressing various segments of society, including security personnel, youths affected by migration pressures, farmers, pensioners, women, academics, entrepreneurs, and voters, Okereke repeatedly urged Nigerians to “Believe Again” in the nation’s future and the possibilities of transformative leadership.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that a Labour Party administration would place governance above politics, service above power, and national development above partisan interests.
The ratification of Okereke as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate marks a significant step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the candidate positioning his campaign around a promise to restore public trust and place citizens at the centre of governance.