Former presidential hopeful Joseph Faduri, widely known as Fadojoe, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the National Rescue Movement, presenting himself as a youth-driven challenger to Nigeria’s traditional political establishment.
Faduri, who previously sought the presidential ticket of the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 polls, made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said the decision followed “deep reflection and wide consultations” at a time he described as critical for the nation’s future.
According to him, Nigeria has strayed from the aspirations of its founding fathers and now requires bold, people-centred leadership to chart a new course.
“Our country is bleeding, and our nation must be rescued at this critical moment,” he said.
The Osun-born politician recounted his personal journey, noting that he lost both parents at 14 but remained committed to serving the nation, pointing to his life story as evidence of resilience and determination.
He blamed Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic crisis on decades of corruption and poor decision-making.
“Corruption has become normalised. Public funds meant for national development are diverted, yet there are no consequences,” he said.
Faduri argued that the 2027 election must mark a clear departure from what he termed “recycled leadership,” warning that Nigeria lags behind global progress because of its entrenched political practices.
“While the rest of the world discusses artificial intelligence and technological breakthroughs, we are still campaigning with rice, noodles, onions and ₦2,000 handouts.
What a tragedy,” he lamented.
The politician, who supported Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential race, said the rising frustration of Nigerians, especially young people, will dominate the next electoral cycle.
“This election should be about the Nigerian people, the 99 per cent who have borne the brunt of these problems,” he said.
Responding to questions about political structure and grassroots reach, he insisted that the sheer scale of hardship in the country had dramatically reshaped political realities.
“In today’s Nigeria, the most visible structure is the structure of corruption,” he stated.
Faduri outlined his policy priorities to include economic revival, education reform, improved healthcare, power sector transformation, enhanced security, and expanded support for local manufacturing.
“If given the mandate, our government will be People First. Nation First. Nigeria is fixable,” he said.
His renewed presidential ambition comes against the backdrop of prolonged internal strife within the Labour Party. Leadership disputes intensified after a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria triggered competing claims to the party’s national leadership.
Key figures, including Alex Otti and Peter Obi, rejected the continued leadership of Julius Abure, instead supporting a caretaker committee led by former senator Nenadi Usman. Former Deputy National Chairman Lamidi Apapa also resurfaced to assert a rival claim.
Faduri had previously described the turmoil within the party as “poetic justice,” recalling the alleged injustice he faced when he was denied the Labour Party’s presidential ticket in 2022. He said he chose not to pursue legal action to avoid worsening the crisis.
Now under the National Rescue Movement banner, Faduri aims to reposition himself within Nigeria’s shifting opposition landscape, banking on voter discontent and youth mobilisation as the 2027 race gathers momentum.
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