Breaking: Labour Party Youth Leader Declares to Run for President in 2027, "I Am Very Qualified"
- Labour Party youth leader Kennedy Ahanotu said he’s running for president in 2027, to give Nigeria a “fresh start” through reforms and competent leadership
- Ahanotu, 41, advocates a generational shift, citing past young leaders like Yakubu Gowon as inspiration
- While not required to resign his youth leader role, Ahanotu said he’ll follow LP’s internal decisions and is undeterred by campaign funding challenges
The National Youth Leader of the Labour Party (LP), Kennedy Ahanotu, has officially declared his intention to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Ahanotu said his ambition was driven by the need to give Nigeria a “fresh start” through deep institutional reforms, patriotism, and competent leadership.
Source: Twitter
Speaking to Punch on Tuesday, July 29, he said:
“I am contesting for the highest office in the land to offer Nigeria and Nigerians a fresh start rooted in institutional transformations and overhauling, so that together we can rise again."
Calls for generational shift in leadership
The 41-year-old LP chieftain said Nigeria urgently needs a shift from the current political order to a more youthful and visionary style of leadership, Vanguard reported.
He referenced historical figures who led Nigeria in their youth, including former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who was just 29 when he took office.
“Every man is born for a purpose. I believe that I carry the burden of impactful leadership. Hence, there is no better time to start the pursuit of the vision than now,” Ahanotu added.
I’m fully qualified, LP youth leader says
Ahanotu noted that although he is older than many of Nigeria’s founding leaders were when they came to power, he believes he is qualified in every way to lead the country.
“I remain morally, academically, constitutionally, emotionally, and mentally qualified to be Nigeria’s next president,” he said.
LP youth leader: Position not a barrier
On whether he would step down from his current role as LP youth leader, Ahanotu explained that the party’s constitution does not require it.
However, he hinted at a possible resignation in future.
“The constitution of my party does not stipulate that I give up my position to aspire for a political elective position.
“However, I don’t mind when the time comes… because I believe there is a higher calling for greater leadership impact if I become the next president,” he said.
Source: Twitter
Responding to a question about stepping down if the party endorses another candidate, Ahanotu said he remains committed to the party’s constitution and internal decisions.
“Until such reality dawns, I can’t give a direct answer. But as a loyal party man, I am bound by the internal mechanism of my political party.
“For me, it’s always wisdom to obey convincing institutional directives,” he said.
When asked how he plans to finance his presidential campaign and if he has any political godfather, Ahanotu declined to go into specifics. He, however, acknowledged the financial challenges of presidential politics.
“Well, I don’t have to talk about that now. I do understand adequately what it takes to run for presidency, given the current monetisation reality of our electoral system.
“I believe when the time comes for nomination or expression of interest purchase, we’ll see if money can stop us,” he added.
Peter Obi speaks on rumoured PDP return
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) on Tuesday, July 29, dismissed reports linking the Labour Party (LP) chieftain to a possible return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obi denied the statements claiming he reaffirmed his commitment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
