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The Labour Party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Dr Chibuzo Okereke, has said the party’s choice of his running mate, Hajja Bintu Konto, was made solely in the interest of Nigeria and its people.
Dr Okereke made the remark on the sidelines of the party’s recent unveiling of the renowned public health expert, Hajja Bintu Konto, whose public service spans more than three decades.
Okereke, in a press statement issued over the weekend, said the decision marked another defining moment in the party’s collective journey to build the Nigerians First Vision.
“It is with profound gratitude to God and an abiding sense of duty to our nation that I formally congratulate Hajja Bintu Konto as my Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2027 General Elections following her selection and ratification by the leadership of our great Party, the Labour Party.
“This decision was guided by only one consideration: the best interests of Nigeria and the Nigerian people. It is entirely consistent with the Labour Party’s enduring commitment to competence, integrity, inclusion, social justice, and transformational leadership.”
The Labour Party presidential candidate further noted that Hajja Bintu Konto is a renowned nurse, accomplished public health specialist, humanitarian, development expert and compassionate mother whose distinguished career has been devoted to improving lives, strengthening communities and advancing human dignity.
He added that, “Her impeccable credentials, exceptional expertise, and remarkable accomplishments in public health management, humanitarian response, and development leadership made this decision both compelling and timely.
“I have absolutely no doubt that she would bring extraordinary value, strategic, and compassionate insight to our presidential ticket and, by the grace of God, to the governance of our dear country.
“Our campaign is built on a simple but profound philosophy: Nigerians First. This is more than a campaign slogan; it is a governing philosophy that places the welfare, security, dignity, and prosperity of every Nigerian above every other consideration. It demands that leadership decisions be guided not by sentiment, patronage, ethnicity, religion, or gender, but by the best interests of the Nigerian people and by competence, character, capacity, and the ability to deliver measurable results for our people.”
Dr Okereke further pointed out that his running mate was not selected because she is a woman.
“She was selected because she is exceptionally qualified, eminently capable, and fully prepared to serve Nigeria with distinction as Vice President.
“This demonstrates our conviction that when merit is allowed to flourish, capable women will naturally occupy their rightful place at the highest levels of leadership.”
Consequently, he stressed that the party is firmly rooted in the principles of equal opportunity and social justice, adding that it believes Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable national development while excluding or underutilising half of its population.
“Mainstreaming women into leadership is not an act of political correctness or tokenism; it is a strategic imperative for national development. Nations that maximise the talents, creativity, and leadership of both men and women consistently build stronger institutions, more resilient economies, healthier communities, and more inclusive democracies.
“Women are not peripheral stakeholders in national development; they are indispensable partners in building the Nigeria of our dreams. Leaving women behind is like attempting to clap with one hand; it weakens our national capacity and limits our collective progress.
“It is therefore both my personal conviction and the corporate conviction of the Labour Party that Nigeria must become a nation where women have every opportunity to thrive, lead, innovate, and attain the highest levels of their potential, not because of charity or political convenience, but because of their proven competence, merit, and capacity.
“Hajja Bintu Konto embodies these ideals. Throughout her distinguished career, she has demonstrated courage in adversity, resilience in service, compassion for the vulnerable, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to national development. She represents the values of integrity, service, inclusion, and transformational leadership that our campaign seeks to institutionalise in government.
“Together, we present to Nigerians a ticket that reflects the diversity, aspirations, and immense potential of our nation, a partnership founded on competence, experience, compassion, and a commitment to placing Nigerians first in every policy, every programme, every project, and every decision of government.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to the leadership of the Labour Party for the confidence reposed in this historic ticket.
“I am particularly grateful to our National Leader, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose strategic vision, courageous leadership, political foresight and forthrightness continue to inspire confidence in the future of our great party.
“My sincere appreciation also goes to our National Chairman, Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman, PhD, for her steadfast leadership and commitment to party unity, and to our National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, for his dedication, solidarity and invaluable support throughout this process. Together with the National Working Committee and leaders of our party across the federation, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening the Labour Party as the credible platform for national renewal.
“To every member and supporter of our great party, and indeed to every Nigerian, I reaffirm our solemn commitment to building a nation where justice prevails, opportunities are expanded, institutions are strengthened, and government works for the benefit of all.”
