Former LP aspirant Faduri Joseph joins NRM presidential race

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

A presidential aspirant in 2023 under the Labour Party (LP), Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), citing deepening poverty, insecurity, economic decline and a collapse of national values as reasons for his decision.

In a declaration addressed at the weekend to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, Joseph said his decision followed “deep reflection, prayers, and wide consultations,” describing Nigeria as being at a critical point that requires urgent national rescue.

Reflecting on his political journey, Joseph disclosed that he stepped down from the 2023 presidential race in support of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi in the interest of national unity.

However, he said circumstances have changed, claiming that the Labour Party has since been overtaken by entrenched interests.

This, he explained, informed his decision to run in 2027 under the NRM platform.

He described the NRM symbol, the honeybee, as representing unity, hard work and shared prosperity, declaring that it is time for Nigeria to return to what he called its “honey days”.

Joseph unveiled his campaign slogan as “People’s First; Nation’s First,” promising a government that prioritises citizens’ welfare and national interest above all else.

He recalled the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who, he said, fought for a true republic built on dignity, justice, unity and shared prosperity.

According to him, present-day Nigeria has fallen far short of that ideal.

“Nigeria today is burdened by poverty imposed by leadership failure,” Joseph said, pointing to rising youth unemployment, worsening insecurity, currency depreciation and the declining global standing of the Nigerian passport.

He added that a nation once known for unity, moral values and safety is now plagued by hunger, kidnapping, banditry and widespread fear.

Joseph also spoke about the growing wave of emigration, warning that Nigerians risk becoming “a second generation of freed slaves” if urgent action is not taken to rebuild the country.

He emphasised the role of Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that many now shoulder the burden of supporting families at home through remittances and advocacy.

Declaring that poverty, hunger and suffering transcend ethnic, religious and regional lines, Joseph called for collective national action.

“Poverty has no tribe. Hunger has no religion,” he said.

Joseph pledged to harness the expertise of Nigerians both at home and abroad to build what he termed a “New Nigeria” that is stronger, fairer and more just.

He concluded his declaration with a call for national unity and divine guidance for himself and the country.

The 2027 general elections are expected to draw significant political realignments as parties and aspirants begin early mobilisation across the country.