The Labour Party has ratified Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Recall that the Labour Party formally picked Okereke as its presidential candidate following a broad-based consensus among party members and stakeholders, which was affirmed in Abuja on 30th May, 2026.

Speaking during his ratification, Okereke asked Nigerians to believe again, stating that politics should not be the purpose of government, but instead governance should be the real purpose of government.

He said that leadership must focus on developing Nigerians, securing Nigerians, expanding socio-economic opportunities, restoring the dignity of the people, building trust among citizens, and investing in the Sustainable Development Goals. 

“We are convinced that when Nigerians prosper, Nigeria prospers,” he said, adding that “the people and governance must be made the front burner before politics.”

Speaking further, Chibuzo said that no Nigerian citizen should live as though there is no government

“Nigeria suffers not only from economic, security, and institutional challenges but also from a crisis of confidence. 

“The truth is that millions of Nigerians no longer believe in the promise of this land. Millions no longer believe that government can work, institutions can be trusted, merit can prevail 

“For too long, governance has focused on Nigeria as an abstract entity, classically described by the late political sage as a mere geographical expression, while neglecting the Nigerians whose lives give meaning to the nation.

“Our nation’s greatest asset is not its oil, land, minerals, or government buildings. Our greatest asset is our people and our population. The Nnigerian government and democracy must therefore deliver happiness to the people of Nigeria wherever they may be. Under our Presidency, this will be delivered.

“Nation-building through responsible government is not rocket science. When citizens are educated, healthy, secure, productive, and empowered, the nation prospers. Similarly, when citizens are neglected, divided, and excluded, the nation weakens.

“Our country is going through one of the most difficult periods since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Across the federation today, millions of citizens are burdened by rising costs of living, insecurity, high infant and maternal mortality, unemployment, declining purchasing power, infrastructure financing gaps, power and energy deficiencies, growing numbers of out-of-school children, struggling businesses and families, and declining public trust in government institutions.

“These are real problems, but they also present real opportunities for innovative solutions and investments.”

A Bayelsa State lawmaker, Fred Agbedi, has been announced as the House of Representatives Minority Leader.

The speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, made this announcement on Thursday moments after settling down for the day’s business.

Also appointed is Sokoto State lawmaker, Abdusamad Dasuki, who will serve as Deputy Minority Leader.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State representative, Mansur Manu Soro, has been named Minority Chief Whip.

DAILY POST reports that Fred Agbedi is from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while Mansur Manu belongs to the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and Abdusamad Dasuki represents the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The announcement ends weeks of consultations and lobbying among opposition lawmakers over the composition of the minority leadership.

Recall that about 9 members, alongside the member representing Ideato North and South federal constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, walked onto the floor of the House of Representatives’ chambers a while ago, chanting ‘No announcement, No Sitting’ over the minority leader position.

Among Ugochinyere’s supporters for the office of the Minority Leader are Jesse Okey-Joe from Lagos, Aliyu Mustapha from Kaduna, Afam Ogene from Anambra as well as Aliyu Misau from Bauchi.

The senate on Thursday distanced itself from the warrant of arrest issued against Mele Kyari, former group chief executive officer, GCEO, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited, by its committee on public accounts.

It also distanced itself from comments attributed to Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North.

Oshiomhole reportedly described the NNPC as a bunch of criminals and thieves during the committee’s hearing on Wednesday.

In response the NNPC said it was not a thief.