Labour Party’s National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, making him the first known aspirant within the party to step forward.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ahanotu said Nigeria needs “a fresh start” and bold leadership driven by patriotism, institutional reforms, and competence.
Ahanotu Calls for Generational Shift in Nigeria
Ahanotu explained that Nigeria must break away from the older political generation that has controlled the country for decades.
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.”
Ahanotu believes the system is broken and must be reset. “At the point where we are today, I think that things have been muddled up too badly that we need to press the industrial reset button so we can start afresh to build a sustainable democracy that works for all Nigerians.”
Labour Party Youth Leader Highlights His Readiness
At 41, the Labour Party youth leader said he may no longer be as young as Nigeria’s founding leaders, but he still has the drive and qualifications needed to lead the country. “I remain morally, academically, constitutionally, emotionally, and mentally qualified to be Nigeria’s next president,” he added.
He also pointed out that many Nigerian heroes like former Head of State Yakubu Gowon held power at a much younger age. Gowon was just 29 when he became Nigeria’s leader.
Presidential Ambition and Party Loyalty
Asked whether his ambition means he would step down as Labour Party Youth Leader, Ahanotu said it’s not constitutionally required. However, he hinted he would step aside when the time is right.
“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,” he said.
He also addressed the possibility of stepping down if the party leadership backs another candidate. “Until such reality dawns before I can be able to answer this because as a loyal party man, I am bound by the party constitution and internal mechanism of my political party,” Ahanotu stated.
How Will Ahanotu Fund His Presidential Campaign?
When asked how he plans to finance his 2027 presidential campaign, Ahanotu declined to give details but acknowledged the financial pressure that comes with such an ambition.
He said, “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/expression of interest purchase, we’ll see if money can stop us.”
Ahanotu’s 2027 Bid Sparks Big Questions for Labour Party
Kennedy Ahanotu’s declaration to contest the 2027 presidential election has thrown open the race in the Labour Party, long before any official primary timetable. While he speaks of patriotism and fresh starts, not everyone in the party may see things the same way. Will the Labour Party allow its youth leader to carry its flag into 2027—or is this the beginning of a long political test for Ahanotu?
