Labour Party presidential candidate, Amb. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke, has urged voters in Abia State to support Governor Alex Otti and other Labour Party candidates in the 2027 general elections. Okereke made the call during a solidarity roadshow in Arochukwu Kingdom, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State. He emphasized that coordinated representation across the executive and legislative arms would be critical to sustaining the state’s development agenda.
The roadshow attracted a large gathering of supporters who marched through parts of Arochukwu carrying banners, placards, and posters in solidarity with the Labour Party and the governor. Okereke used the occasion to canvass support for Otti, as well as Labour candidates seeking legislative seats in the state. They include the party’s Abia North Senatorial candidate, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex; its candidate for the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa; and its candidate for the Arochukwu State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okoro.
Okereke said his interest in the presidency was informed by years of studying systems and working on institutional design and governance frameworks. He stated that his campaign was focused on demonstrating how governance could be approached differently, with the ultimate objective of improving the socioeconomic conditions of citizens. He argued that democracy should go beyond the conduct of periodic elections and produce measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
The Labour presidential candidate said he advocated a stronger federal system, an effective local government system, and the adoption of zero-based budgeting as part of efforts to improve public-sector management. He also called for a full reset of Nigeria’s institutional governance architecture, anchored on a “Nigerians First Vision,” with greater emphasis on youth and women’s participation in governance.
Okereke proposed a broader interpretation of federal character that would extend beyond ethnicity to accommodate diversity, including young people, women, and persons with disabilities. He said Nigeria should ultimately move away from a palliative and distributive economy towards a productive economy capable of creating sustainable opportunities for citizens. Okereke urged Nigerians to take greater interest in political participation, noting that decisions taken by elected representatives have direct implications for citizens and economic activities.
The traditional ruler of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX, prayed for the presidential candidate and wished him well in his campaign. The monarch also urged Okereke to uphold due process and respect for the rule of law throughout the campaign. He advised the candidate to conduct himself in a manner that would preserve the dignity and values cherished by the people of Arochukwu.
Okereke’s message centred on the need for Labour supporters to vote for the party’s candidates across the ballot. He argued that political representation at different levels should complement one another if governments were to effectively pursue coherent development programmes. He therefore urged Abians who support Otti’s administration to also consider voting for Labour candidates contesting seats in the National Assembly and the Abia State House of Assembly.
Key points
- Okereke seeks support for Otti and Labour Party candidates in Abia State.
- Okereke advocates for a stronger federal system and effective local government system.
- Okereke proposes a broader interpretation of federal character to accommodate diversity.
