Labour Party Calls For Unity As NEC Ratifies Primaries, Unveils Okereke

Leaders of the Labour Party under the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman have called for unity among members after ratifying the outcome of the party’s 2026 primaries and unveiling Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, said internal divisions would only strengthen political opponents and urged aggrieved members to place the party’s collective interest above personal ambitions.

“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.

Usman also urged members to participate in the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration exercise, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) no longer accepts manual membership 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, adding that the registration link would be circulated to state chapters to ensure wider participation.

Also addressing the meeting, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, stressed that internal contests should not create lasting divisions within the party.

“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 urged successful candidates to reach out to fellow aspirants and supporters in the spirit of reconciliation, adding that candidates must see themselves as ambassadors of hope and work collectively to mobilise support across the country.

National Secretary, Iheabacho Obioma, presented the official report of the 2026 primaries and stated that the exercise complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, Electoral Act 2026, Labour Party Constitution and INEC guidelines.
According to him, the primaries produced candidates for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections through what he described as largely peaceful and transparent processes.

Obioma said the NEC was expected to ratify the report and transmit the final list of candidates to INEC in accordance with the electoral timetable and submission procedures.

Accepting his nomination, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, thanked Governor Otti, Senator Usman, the National Working Committee (NWC), NEC members and party supporters across Nigeria and in 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 the principles of social justice.

He also unveiled his “Nigerians First” agenda, saying governance must prioritise citizens’ welfare, human development and job creation above politics.

The presidential candidate further introduced his “Believe Again” message and proposed reforms across education, healthcare, agriculture and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), while advocating national reconciliation through the creation of a National Day of Peace and Forgiveness.