Nobody should form coalition merely to defeat an incumbent — LP presidential candidate, Okereke

The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2027 general elections, Dr Chibuzo Okereke, in this interview with KEHINDE AKINTOLA, bears his mind on the ongoing consultation by G100 which seeks to produce a consensus candidate among all the opposition parties. Excerpts:

What exactly is the strategic objective of the proposed consensus presidential candidate—merely to defeat the incumbent, or is there a clearly defined policy and governance agenda that all participating parties must subscribe to?

Nobody has invited us to an engagement that would produce a single presidential candidate and I don’t think such thinking serves our democracy process positively.  Even in 2013, ahead of 2015 elections when APC was formed, nobody collapsed the entire opposition into one candidate. We should also subscribe to forming consensus merely to defeat someone; else that itself, is not strategic. If G100 exist, it should not be a gang-up. They should rather focus on championing credible policy alternatives with a manifesto that is measurable and also mobilise Nigerians to actively participate in the political process and make their informed choices of who they prefer, which I strongly believe represent the new chapter and the future of Nigerian politics.

With 21 presidential candidates already nominated, what criteria will determine who ultimately emerges as the consensus candidate and who will have the final authority to make that decision?

Twenty-one presidential candidates means 21 political parties and 21 different national working committees, national executive committees and other critical structures of parties that are based on constitutionalism. We must not use undemocratic processes to attain political advantage. To achieve such will be difficult, because we are dealing with constitutional rights of people. It will end up in betrayal and scaring of cakes even before it is baked. Parties are encouraged to reach out to others and make personal case for support because merger is no longer possible at this time. For us, Labour represents the most important factor of production and controls the mix in production process. We are the party with the ideology that prioritises human capital and represent a departure from the evil of capitalism that has been bedeviling our nation. The aggregate of Nigerian voters would be the ultimate decider of any arrangements.

How do you intend to reconcile the competing ambitions of presidential candidates who have spent considerable political and financial resources securing their parties’ nominations?

Any candidate on patriotic or compassionate grounds, by the resolution of their party, can subscribe to support any candidate of choice.  Historically, some parties have made decisions to zone tickets; others made decisions to support other presidential candidates. Politicians always find a way at the table.  However, where we are in our democratic journey, we must put people first before politics and power.

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Would the consensus arrangement require some presidential candidates to withdraw from the 2027 race, and if so, what legal or political mechanism would be used to secure their commitment?

The process can only represent gentlemen agreement. It has no basis in law. Beside the window for withdrawal and substitution of candidates in line with INEC, timetable closed on 22nd August 2026. So, no presidential candidate can legally withdraw now. Also, there would be no legally binding guarantees for such arrangements if it exits. In terms of political mechanisms, I maintained that commitments of parties or individuals must put Nigerians first.

Given the ideological and political differences among the opposition parties, what guarantees are there that the proposed coalition will remain united after the election if the consensus candidate wins?

You have your answer in the APC and other coalitions of the past. We saw the contestation and cries of marginalisation by the factional APGA, CPC, ACN, New PDP and ANPP that formed the APC. In fact some members of the New PDP didn’t spend two years in the APC, despite emerging victorious in the 2015 elections. As politicians, we should always converge or have meeting of minds that is anchored on developmental vision for our country not for just political power; because sometimes, how to share the spoils of victory causes more division than nursing the pain of loss which can unify sometimes better.

Some Nigerians are concerned that a coalition formed principally to defeat the ruling party may reproduce the same problems once in government. What governance framework are you putting in place to prevent this?

The leaders and promoters of the group should be able to respond to that. I maintain that nobody should form coalition merely to defeat an incumbent. Any meaningful coalition must put Nigerians first and that is the vision of my campaign —Nigerians First. We should strive to empower voters to make informed decisions and not continue in the elite syndrome pathway.

How will you convince Nigerians that the proposed consensus candidate represents a genuine national alternative rather than another arrangement among political elites seeking power?

Nigerians know we recycle politicians by platforms in this country. I represent a new chapter, new economy, innovation and with right vision and energy to turn things around, expand opportunities, improve on the successes of the current administration and rework areas of gap.

If the major opposition parties fail to reach a consensus before the electoral process advances further, do you have an alternative plan, and would you support a strategic alliance among several candidates rather than a single consensus candidate?

We are a multi-party democratic nation. Our strategy should not just be about winning but about governing as well. Nigerians and candidates, along with their party structures, should have that opportunity of variety of competing ideas and vision and make their choices whether to align with any other candidate or run on the ideology of their party until they have acceptance by majority of Nigerians. In fact, in Nigeria, we make it look like all powers lie with the politicians rather than the people.  It should not be so. We cannot just the think about elections. We can do more.

What role will civil society organisations, organised labour, professional groups, youths, women and other critical stakeholders play in determining or endorsing the consensus candidate?

You can never have a national consensus candidate in a multi-party democracy. The design of multi-party democracy is for variety and for choice which is a fundamental right of the human person.  The Labour Party is the party of civil society organisations, the organised labour and professional bodies. It is the party of the workers and the ordinary Nigerians.  We are contesting and these are our primary constituencies as the only party with institutional membership in Nigeria.

Will the aftermath of the summit not end up being another declaration, communiqué or photo opportunity without implementation?

Nigerians are free to congregate and lobby for votes. I also, maintain that I represent a breath of fresh air and Nigerians should turn to a new chapter in our political development by embracing the Labour Nigerians first vision.