2027: Labour Party Screens Maku and Two Presidential Candidates

The Labour Party (LP) screened two presidential hopefuls and senatorial aspirants, including former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, on Friday for the upcoming party primaries.

During a briefing at the party’s national headquarters, the candidates affirmed their readiness to follow the LP’s consensus decisions regarding the zoning formula. They noted that these arrangements are not enshrined in the party constitution but are instead a gentleman’s agreement intended to promote internal peace.

Among the candidates was Dr. Peter Agada, a former National Treasurer of the Obidient Movement and a senator from Benue State. Agada told Senator Nenadi Usman’s committee that he has established the necessary framework to make a significant impact in the presidential election. He said, “I have been working with a network in the movement that I formed immediately after I resigned as the Director of Finance of the Obidient Movement. The movement has grown. My network across the country is strong.”

“There are leaderships, there are memberships, a lot of them in the Labour Party. So I have spoken to them and I shared my vision with them. Of course, the vision is not easy. We’ve been building it for the last 20 years. So we are ready for any intense battle. We will see the battle. We are hoping to fight,” he added.

Agada further explained that, despite recent crises that have shaken the LP, most members continue to maintain their faith. “You see, we have numerous other members like myself who did not leave. They did not shift. They remained with the local party. Some of them have ventured into other areas,” he said.

Another presidential aspirant from Ebonyi State, 35‑year‑old Samuel Nwigwe, said that corruption within the Nigerian system has driven his ambition to address administrative issues across the nation. He stated that no nation is created by divine intervention but by human effort, and that he intends to contribute his experience to elevate Nigeria to a commendable status.

Nwigwe argued that Nigeria could achieve rapid development by adopting governance models from countries such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, and the Netherlands. He said his experiences abroad have convinced him that Nigeria can establish a secure and productive economy through robust institutions and efficient social welfare systems.

He highlighted the UK’s welfare and security framework as a model for Nigeria, emphasizing that “no child should experience hunger in a country endowed with vast resources.” Nwigwe also called for immediate constitutional reforms and stronger security response mechanisms to tackle kidnapping and violent crime nationwide.

He noted that insecurity has displaced many Nigerians and eroded public trust in the government, but he believes the situation can be remedied through political determination and responsible leadership.

Labaran Maku said he is committed to advocating for national reforms and a new constitution if elected as a senator on the LP platform. The former minister emphasized that “the existing governance framework must be restructured to tackle insecurity and disunity.” He added that his background as a journalist, editor, and public official during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has shaped his dedication to accountability and democracy.

Maku said, “I contend that the insecurity in Nigeria is rooted in politics. It is essential to eliminate violence from politics to facilitate development and safeguard citizens. We require a comprehensive constitution and a government that will foster unity in Nigeria.”