The Labour Party presidential candidate, Amb. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke, has called on voters in Abia State to support the party's candidates across elective positions in the 2027 general elections. Okereke made the call during a solidarity roadshow in Arochukwu Kingdom, Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state. The event attracted party supporters and residents who marched through parts of Arochukwu with banners, placards, posters and other materials expressing solidarity with the Labour Party and Governor Alex Otti.
Okereke used the occasion to mobilise support for Otti, whom he described as a key figure in the Labour Party's efforts to strengthen its political structure. He also urged voters to support the party's Abia North Senatorial candidate, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex; its candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa; its candidate for Arochukwu State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okoro; and other Labour Party candidates across the state.
Speaking on the sidelines of the rally, Okereke said the gathering was primarily organised to appreciate Otti for his administration's development efforts in Abia. According to him, the changes taking place in the state under Otti's administration had attracted attention beyond Abia. He said the rally was also intended to demonstrate solidarity with Otti for his role in strengthening the Labour Party and supporting the emergence of a younger generation of leadership within the party.
Okereke said he believed the experience in Abia could provide lessons for governance at the national level. "I have spent years studying systems and designing systems and governance architecture, supporting institutional design and framework," he said, explaining his motivation for seeking the presidency. The Labour presidential candidate said his campaign was centred on demonstrating how governance could be approached differently.
Okereke argued that political leadership should ultimately improve the socioeconomic conditions of citizens, drawing inspiration from what he described as Otti's leadership example. He said democracy should not merely be about elections but should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. "Democracy must deliver happiness to the Nigerian people. Democracy must improve the lives of people," Okereke said.
Okereke also urged Nigerians to take greater interest in political participation, arguing that elected representatives at the federal, state and local government levels make decisions that affect citizens' everyday lives. He specifically encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate in the electoral process and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where necessary. He said political participation should not be left to a small group of people.
On his policy agenda, Okereke said Nigeria must function as a federation and ensure that the local government system works effectively. He also advocated the introduction of zero-based budgeting, a reset of Nigeria's institutional governance approach anchored on what he called the "Nigerians First Vision", youth and women development through inclusion and participatory governance, and an expansion of the definition of federal character beyond ethnicity to include diversity involving youths, women and persons with disabilities.
Key points
- Okereke urges voters to support Labour Party candidates across the board to ensure a consistent development programme in Abia State.
- Okereke's campaign focuses on demonstrating how governance can be approached differently to improve socioeconomic conditions.
- Okereke advocates for a productive economy, youth and women development, and an effective local government system.
