The Labour Party (LP) on Friday screened two presidential aspirants and senatorial candidates, including former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, ahead of the party’s upcoming primaries. The screening took place at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where candidates affirmed their commitment to the party’s consensus zoning formula, even though it is not formally codified in the LP constitution. They described the arrangement as a gentleman’s agreement designed to maintain peace and unity within the party during the selection process.
Dr. Peter Agada, a presidential aspirant from Benue State and former National Treasurer of the Obidient Movement, told Senator Nenadi Usman’s screening committee that he has built a strong network across Nigeria to support his campaign. He emphasized that his movement, which he formed after resigning as Director of Finance in the Obidient Movement, has grown significantly over the past two decades. “I have spoken to them and shared my vision,” Agada said. “The vision is not easy, but we’ve been building it for 20 years. We are ready for any intense battle. We will see the battle. We are hoping to fight.”
Agada also highlighted that despite recent internal crises within the Labour Party, many members remain loyal and committed. “There are numerous members like myself who did not leave,” he noted. “They did not shift. They remained with the local party. Some have ventured into other areas, but their loyalty to the party remains intact.”
Another presidential hopeful, 35-year-old Samuel Nwigwe from Ebonyi State, said his ambition stems from a desire to combat widespread corruption in Nigeria’s governance system. He argued that no nation was built by divine intervention but through human effort and vision. Nwigwe believes Nigeria can achieve rapid development by adopting governance models from countries like the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, and the Netherlands. He pointed to the UK’s welfare and security systems as a blueprint, stressing that no child should go hungry in a country as resource-rich as Nigeria.
Nwigwe also called for immediate constitutional reforms and stronger security mechanisms to address rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes. He noted that insecurity has displaced many Nigerians and eroded public trust in government, but he believes these challenges can be overcome through political will and responsible leadership.
Labaran Maku, the former Minister of Information, stated that if elected as a senator on the LP platform, he will advocate for national reforms and a new constitution. He stressed that Nigeria’s governance framework must be restructured to address insecurity and national disunity. Drawing from his experience as a journalist, editor, and public servant during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Maku said accountability and democracy must be prioritized. “The insecurity in Nigeria is rooted in politics,” he said. “We need to eliminate violence from politics to enable development and protect citizens. We require a comprehensive constitution and a government that fosters unity.”
As the Labour Party moves forward with its primaries, these candidates are positioning themselves as voices for change, reform, and national unity, with their campaigns centered on institutional strength, constitutional renewal, and security reform. Their participation signals a renewed push for progressive leadership within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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