Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, the Labour Party’s 2027 presidential candidate, has launched his “Nigerians First! Believe Again!” campaign agenda, pledging to transform governance, restore national security, and rebuild public trust in government. Speaking at his nomination acceptance event, Okereke emphasized a new philosophy of leadership centered on citizen development, institutional reform, and inclusive economic growth. He argued that governance should supersede politics, positioning the government as a partner in nation-building rather than a distant authority.
Okereke’s vision, he said, is built on the belief that when Nigerians thrive, Nigeria thrives. “Our Nigerians First Vision offers a fundamental philosophical shift in our theory of nationhood,” he declared. The agenda focuses on securing citizens, expanding socio-economic opportunities, restoring dignity, building trust, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. He promised that his administration would prioritize people and governance over political maneuvering.
At the heart of his plan is the “Nigerians First Great Reset National Recovery Blueprint,” which outlines seven key pillars: national security and peacebuilding, economic stabilisation, food security and productive growth, education, healthcare and human capital development, institutional reforms and good governance, and national unity with social cohesion. On security, Okereke vowed to rebuild the armed forces and adopt a whole-of-society approach to restore public confidence in the state’s ability to protect lives and property.
Economically, he proposed decentralising the national power grid, allowing states and zones to develop energy infrastructure based on their unique resources and advantages. He outlined targeted investments—financial and services in the Southwest, manufacturing and innovation in the Southeast, blue economy and tourism in the South-South, and agriculture and food security in the North. He also pledged to improve infrastructure and create an investment-friendly environment.
Education and healthcare will be central to his administration. Okereke promised foundational education reforms, technical skills training, digital literacy, and curriculum updates aligned with global economic demands. He stressed that Nigerian youths must be equipped not just to find jobs, but to create value in a competitive world.
Institutional reforms include introducing Zero-Based Budgeting, strengthening fiscal and procurement laws, digitising public services, and establishing Government Accountability Offices in MDAs, staffed by officers from the ICPC and EFCC. He also proposed repealing the Acts that created UBEC, NPHCDA, and REA, transferring their functions and funding to local governments for more efficient delivery.
Okereke announced plans to make the NYSC optional for most graduates, replacing it with a three-month National Community Development Project. He said this would save the country billions of naira while still fulfilling national service objectives. He also committed to merit-based recruitment into public service, with all MDA vacancies publicly advertised.
To promote national unity, he proposed a National Day of Peace and Forgiveness and expanded integration programs across ethnic, religious, and regional lines. He noted that Nigeria is in a “crisis of confidence,” with millions losing faith in government and institutions. “Believe Again” is not just a slogan, he said, but a call for renewal through responsible leadership.
A seasoned governance expert with a Ph.D. in Legislative Governance from Federal University Lokoja, a master’s in Public Administration from Baze University, and another in Legislative Governance from the University of Benin, Okereke also holds a degree in Accounting from UNN, where he served as student union president. He is currently pursuing a second doctorate in Public Policy from Veritas University, Abuja.
His experience includes technical support roles at the National Assembly, where his work with the Public Accounts Committee led to the recovery of over ₦300 billion. He founded ErGAF-AFRICA, Project Hope Alive Africa, and N-PEM, and through ErGAF-AFRICA, has supported over 10,000 schoolchildren with educational materials.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, Okereke’s agenda positions him as a reform-minded candidate focused on rebuilding trust and delivering tangible change. His campaign may signal a new chapter in Nigeria’s political landscape, one where governance is truly put first.
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