2027: Labour Party candidate explains choice of Bintu Konto as running mate
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Labour Party Presidential Candidate Dr. Chibuzo Okereke selected Hajja Bintu Konto as his running mate for the 2027 Nigerian election.
- Okereke cited competence and national interest as the primary drivers for choosing Konto, a nurse and public health specialist.
- The selection aligns with the party's "Nigerians First" philosophy, emphasizing merit, character, and capacity over sentiment or ethnicity.
Labour Party Presidential Candidate Dr. Chibuzo Okereke has explained that his selection of Hajja Bintu Konto as his running mate for the 2027 election was based purely on competence and the national interest. Okereke described Konto's nomination, which has been ratified by the party's leadership, as a "defining moment" in their pursuit of a government that prioritizes Nigerians.
Today marks another defining moment in our collective journey to build a Nigeria that works for Nigerians. It is with gratitude to God and a sense of duty that I congratulate Hajja Bintu Konto as my Vice Presidential Candidate.
"Today marks another defining moment in our collective journey to build a Nigeria that works for Nigerians," Okereke stated in Abuja. He emphasized that the decision was guided by "the best interests of Nigeria and Nigerians," aligning with the Labour Party's commitment to competence, integrity, inclusion, and transformational leadership.
The decision was guided by one consideration - the best interests of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Okereke highlighted Konto's background as a nurse, public health specialist, humanitarian, and development expert, noting her career has been dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities. "Her credentials, expertise, and record in public health, humanitarian response, and development made this choice compelling and timely," he said, expressing confidence that she will bring "extraordinary value" to their ticket.
Her credentials, expertise and record in public health, humanitarian response and development made this choice compelling and timely.
The Labour Party's campaign is built on a "Nigerians First" philosophy, placing citizen welfare, security, dignity, and prosperity above all else. Okereke stressed that leadership should be guided by competence, character, and the capacity to deliver results, rather than sentiment, patronage, ethnicity, or gender. He asserted that Konto was chosen for her qualifications and readiness to serve, not simply because she is a woman, underscoring the party's belief that capable women deserve high-level leadership positions. He also thanked party leaders for their support and urged members and Nigerians to back their effort to build a "just, secure, and prosperous country."
Leadership must be guided not by sentiment, patronage, ethnicity, religion or gender, but by competence, character and capacity to deliver results.
Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.