The Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Dr. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke, has outlined a governance agenda centred on zero-based budgeting, institutional reform, stronger federalism and a shift from what he described as a palliative and distributive economy to a productive economy.
Okereke disclosed the proposals during a solidarity roadshow in Arochukwu Kingdom, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, where he also rallied support for Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and other Labour Party candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The presidential candidate specifically called for support for the Labour Party’s Abia North Senatorial candidate, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, its Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency candidate, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, and its Arochukwu State Constituency candidate, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okoro.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Okereke said the roadshow was partly organised to appreciate Governor Otti for what he described as his administration’s development efforts in Abia State.
He said the developments recorded under Otti had attracted attention beyond the state and could provide an opportunity to demonstrate a different approach to governance.
On his proposed governance framework, Okereke said it would be anchored on what he called the “Nigerians First Vision,” with emphasis on institutional reform, fiscal discipline, inclusion and economic productivity.
He advocated the adoption of zero-based budgeting, explaining that government spending should be justified at the beginning of each budget cycle rather than relying primarily on previous allocations.
Okereke also called for a stronger federal system and an effective local government structure, saying grassroots institutions should be strengthened to deliver development closer to citizens.
He further proposed greater participation of youths, women and persons with disabilities in governance, while advocating a broader interpretation of federal character that goes beyond ethnicity to reflect Nigeria’s wider diversity.
On the economy, the Labour Party candidate said Nigeria should move away from dependence on palliative and distributive measures towards a productive economy capable of creating sustainable opportunities for citizens.
According to him, government should focus more on creating an environment where Nigerians can produce, earn and contribute to economic growth.
Okereke said his interest in the presidency was informed by years of studying systems, institutional design and governance architecture.
He argued that democracy should ultimately translate into improved living conditions for citizens, stating that “democracy must improve the lives of people.”
The presidential candidate also urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 electoral process and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where necessary.
He called on Labour Party supporters in Abia to support the party’s candidates across the ballot, arguing that coordinated representation at the federal and state levels would be important to the implementation of development programmes.
The traditional ruler of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX, received the presidential candidate and prayed for him.
The monarch also urged Okereke to uphold due process and respect for the rule of law throughout the campaign, while ensuring that his conduct reflects the values, traditions and dignity of the Arochukwu people and their traditional institution.
The Arochukwu roadshow forms part of the Labour Party’s mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
