The National Youth Leader of the Labour Party (LP), Kennedy Ahanotu, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Ahanotu, 41, becomes the first member of the party to publicly announce interest in the race.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, the LP youth leader said Nigeria needs a generational shift and institutional reform.
“I am contesting for the highest office in the land to offer Nigeria and Nigerians a fresh start rooted in institutional transformations and overhauling, so that together we can rise again.
“At the point where we are today, I think that things have been muddled up too badly that we need to press the industrial reset button so we can start afresh to build a sustainable democracy that works for all Nigerians,” he told Punch.
He said Nigeria’s founding leaders, including Yakubu Gowon who became head of state at 29, assumed power in their youth — a precedent that must be revived.
“Every man is born for a purpose. I believe that I carry the burden of impactful leadership. Hence, there is no better time to start the pursuit of the vision than now,” he added.
While he admitted he is older than some of Nigeria’s post-independence leaders were at the time they took office, he said he is “morally, academically, constitutionally, emotionally, and mentally” fit to lead.
Asked whether he would resign from his current position, Ahanotu said it is not a constitutional requirement, but hinted he may step aside “when the time comes.”
His words: “The constitution of my party does not stipulate that I give up my position to aspire for a political elective position.
“However, I don’t mind when the time comes or when we get to a certain point because I believe there is a higher calling for greater leadership impact if I become the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
On the possibility of stepping down if the LP endorses another candidate, he said: “Until such reality dawns before I can be able to answer this because as a loyal party man, I am bound by the party constitution and internal mechanism of my political party.”
He also declined to disclose details of his campaign funding but acknowledged the financial cost of a presidential run.
“Well, I don’t have to talk about that now because I do understand adequately what it takes to run for presidency, given the current monetisation reality of our electoral system.
“I believe when the time comes for nomination/expression of interest purchase, we’ll see if money can stop us,” he said.