ABUJA, Nigeria – Labour Party 2027 presidential candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, has unveiled his “Nigerians First! Believe Again!” agenda, promising sweeping reforms aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, strengthening national security, revitalising the economy and restoring public confidence in government.
Okereke unveiled the agenda while accepting the Labour Party's presidential nomination, describing his vision as a fundamental shift in the way Nigeria is governed.
He said his administration would place citizens and governance ahead of politics, arguing that the primary purpose of government should be to develop the people and create opportunities for Nigerians to prosper.
“Our Nigerians First Vision offers a fundamental philosophical shift in our theory of nationhood and focuses on developing Nigerians, securing Nigerians, expanding socio-economic opportunities, restoring the dignity of our people, building trust among citizens and investing in the Sustainable Development Goals. We are convinced that when Nigerians prosper, Nigeria prospers,” he said.
Okereke said his proposed “Nigerians First Great Reset National Recovery Blueprint” would focus on national security and peacebuilding, economic stabilisation, food security and productive growth, education, healthcare and human capital development, institutional reforms and good governance, as well as national unity and social cohesion.
On security, the Labour Party candidate pledged to rebuild Nigeria's armed forces and adopt a whole-of-society approach to tackling insecurity.
“Our goal is clear, restore public confidence that the Nigerian State is capable of protecting lives and property across every part of the federation. We will rebuild our military and restore the pride and glory of our land,” he said.
On the economy, Okereke promised to decentralise the national power sector, improve infrastructure and promote investment based on the economic strengths of different regions.
He proposed strategic investments in the financial and services sectors in the South-West, manufacturing, innovation, trade and investment in the South-East, and the blue economy, aquaculture and tourism in the South-South, while prioritising agriculture, food production and food security in northern Nigeria.
The presidential candidate also pledged to overhaul education and healthcare while expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
He said his administration would prioritise foundational education, technical skills, digital literacy, research and curriculum reforms designed to prepare young Nigerians for a competitive global economy.
On governance, Okereke proposed the introduction of Zero-Based Budgeting, stronger fiscal and procurement laws, digitisation of public services and enhanced accountability mechanisms within Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He also proposed repealing the laws establishing the Universal Basic Education Commission, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Rural Electrification Agency, with their responsibilities and funding transferred to local governments.
Okereke further proposed making the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) optional for most graduates, except those in STEM and selected disciplines.
Under his proposed system, other graduates would undertake a three-month National Community Development Project before receiving their NYSC discharge certificates, a move he said could save the country billions of naira.
The Labour Party flag bearer also promised merit-based recruitment into the public service, with vacancies in government ministries, departments and agencies to be publicly advertised to promote transparency and fairness.
On national unity, Okereke proposed the establishment of a National Day of Peace and Forgiveness to promote reconciliation and strengthen integration across ethnic, religious and regional divides.
Explaining his “Believe Again” campaign message, he said Nigeria was facing not only economic and security challenges but also a crisis of confidence among its citizens.
“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, or that the future can be better than the past,” he said.
He described the “Believe Again” message as a call for national renewal through responsible and accountable governance.
Okereke is described as a governance and policy expert and strategist. He holds a PhD in Legislative Governance Studies from the Federal University Lokoja, a master's degree with distinction in Public Administration and Policy from Baze University, Abuja, and another master's degree with distinction in Legislative Governance Studies from the University of Benin.
He also holds a degree in Accounting, with a focus on audit and investigation, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he served as student union president. He is reportedly pursuing a second doctorate in Public Policy at Veritas University, Abuja.
According to his profile, Okereke has held various legislative technical support positions at the National Assembly and worked as a consultant with the Public Accounts Committee. He also founded organisations including the Erudite Growth and Advancement Foundation (ErGAF-AFRICA), Project Hope Alive Africa and the National Political Equity Movement (N-PEM).
Through the ErGAF-AFRICA Project Hope Alive Initiative, he is said to have supported more than 10,000 schoolchildren with educational materials and other interventions.
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