The Labour Party (LP) has adopted its National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, setting the stage for what the party says will be a campaign focused on tackling insecurity, reviving the economy and restoring internal unity.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja, where party leaders also unveiled governorship candidates for 30 states and released the names of successful candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to the party, Ahanotu emerged through what it described as a consensus primary election and secured a total of 2,944,420 votes. The Labour Party said the exercise was conducted in line with its constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Declaring the outcome of the primary process, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayodele Olorunfemi, said all candidates emerged through procedures consistent with the party’s guidelines and electoral regulations.
Olorunfemi urged the party’s candidates to demonstrate a different style of leadership from what he described as the current political culture in the country.
“A Labour Party leadership must encourage a free and compulsory education at all level and ensure social justice for the people,” he said.
The Labour Party chieftain also challenged the candidates to place the interests of Nigerians above personal gain and remain committed to policies that improve the welfare of citizens.
In his acceptance speech, an emotional Ahanotu expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide practical solutions to the country’s mounting economic and security challenges.
The Labour Party presidential candidate lamented what he described as the worsening insecurity and economic hardship facing Nigerians, promising that an LP-led administration would pursue policies aimed at restoring stability and creating opportunities for citizens.
According to him, the party is determined to offer a credible alternative to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Ahanotu also devoted part of his speech to the lingering internal disputes within the Labour Party, stressing the need for reconciliation among various factions.
He pledged to work towards reunifying all segments of the party and specifically appealed to Abia State Governor Alex Otti to collaborate with what he described as the party’s legacy membership in order to rebuild and strengthen the Labour Party.
The presidential candidate said unity within the party would be crucial to its ability to compete effectively in the next election cycle and present a united front to voters across the country.
As part of the outcome of the primaries, the party announced governorship candidates in several states. In Benue State, Titus Tamango Belamo emerged as the governorship candidate with 23,896 votes, while Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi secured the ticket in Nasarawa State with 76,097 votes.
In Kano State, Mohammad Abdullahi Raji emerged with 45,407 votes, while Rabe Sanni Katsina clinched the Katsina State ticket with 17,999 votes. Hon. Abdulrrahim Chindo Imam won the Sokoto State governorship primary with 55,228 votes, while Hon. Yahuza Ahmed emerged as the party’s candidate in Zamfara State with 22,555 votes.
The party also announced Ceekay Igara as its governorship candidate in Abia State with 58,185 votes, while Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson I secured the Delta State ticket with 74,987 votes. Emmanuel Friday emerged in Cross River State with 17,235 votes, while Prince Nuka Nwigbo won the Rivers State governorship primary with 14,784 votes.
In Bauchi State, Mohammed Sabitu Aliyu secured the party’s ticket with 44,800 votes, while Hon. Ajibade Samson Adekunle emerged as the governorship candidate in Kwara State with 13,441 votes. Hon. Auwal Aliyu Tafoki clinched the Kaduna State ticket with 42,432 votes.
Labour Party officials disclosed that the full list of candidates from the various primaries is still being collated and will be transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with established electoral guidelines.
