The deepening crisis in the Labour Party took a dramatic turn on Saturday, with rival factions of the party unveiling separate presidential candidates for the 2027 election.
While the Nenadi Usman-led faction announced governance expert Chibuzo Okereke as its flagbearer, another wing of the party led by Julius Abure moved in parallel to adopt its National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, as presidential candidate. The competing declarations came within hours of each other.
The Usman camp, in a statement by National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa, said Okereke emerged through a consensus process ratified by stakeholders, presenting him as a technocratic reformer with deep roots in public policy, legislative governance and institutional development.
“Dr Okereke has built an impressive reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading voices on public policy, legislative governance and institutional development,” the statement reads.
“He embodies the vision of competent, accountable and transformational leadership that Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment.”
Asogwa further noted that Okereke holds a doctorate degree in legislative governance studies, as well as master’s degrees in public administration and legislative studies, both earned with distinction.
He added that the LP flagbearer is widely recognised as an analyst and commentator on national and international media platforms, owing to his expertise in governance, public accountability and national development.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has remained committed to nation-building through youth empowerment, educational advancement and democratic reforms,” he said.
“His leadership, intellectual depth and proven commitment to good governance make him well-positioned to lead Nigeria towards a more prosperous and accountable future.”
But even as that announcement was being digested, the party’s other faction issued its own declaration, adopting Ahanotu as its standard-bearer.
In a press statement, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh said Ahanotu pulled a total vote of 2,944,420 in a consensus primary election.
Beyond the presidential ticket, the Ahanotu faction said it had produced governorship candidates in 30 states, alongside nominees for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly, with a full list to be submitted to the electoral authorities.
