The Labour Party (LP) has intensified efforts to market its 2027 presidential ticket, with its leadership declaring that the pairing of Dr. Chibuzo Sunday Okereke and Hajja Bintu Konto embodies the party’s vision of inclusive leadership, gender equity and compassionate governance.
At a strategic meeting between the National Working Committee (NWC) and the vice-presidential candidate in Abuja on Tuesday, party leaders presented the Okereke-Konto ticket as a departure from Nigeria’s traditional political culture, arguing that it reflects Labour Party’s commitment to broadening women’s participation in national leadership.
National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, said the nomination of Konto was a deliberate statement of the party’s belief that competence, rather than gender, should determine access to public office.
She noted that the Labour Party remains the only major contender in the 2027 presidential race to field a female vice-presidential candidate, describing the decision as a practical demonstration of its commitment to equality, inclusion and social justice.
Usman expressed confidence that Konto’s humanitarian credentials and leadership experience would complement the presidential candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Sunday Okereke, in delivering responsive and people-focused governance.
The LP chairman also pointed to the administration of Abia State Governor Alex Otti as evidence of the party’s governance philosophy, highlighting the recently enacted social welfare law for senior citizens as an example of policies centred on the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
According to her, the achievements recorded in Abia under a Labour Party administration offer voters a glimpse of what the party intends to replicate nationally if elected in 2027.
Okereke, in his remarks, described Konto as a trusted partner with proven compassion and resilience, insisting that women must occupy central positions in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He praised her humanitarian interventions in communities devastated by the Boko Haram insurgency, saying her experience working with displaced and vulnerable populations would strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity, poverty and social exclusion.
The presidential candidate also commended Senator Usman for providing what he described as purposeful leadership that has repositioned the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding, Konto thanked the party for entrusting her with the nomination, pledging to justify the confidence placed in her through dedicated service.
She reflected on her years of humanitarian work in conflict-affected communities in northern Nigeria, revealing that despite losing her husband to the Boko Haram insurgency, she remained committed to supporting victims and rebuilding shattered lives.
According to her, those experiences have equipped her with the empathy, resilience and practical understanding required to contribute meaningfully to solving Nigeria’s security and development challenges.
Konto said her decision to join the Labour Party was driven by her conviction that the party offers a credible platform capable of delivering transformational leadership and restoring hope to Nigerians.
The meeting concluded with party leaders expressing confidence that the Okereke-Konto ticket would resonate with Nigerians seeking an alternative political direction anchored on competence, inclusion and accountable governance ahead of the 2027 general election.
