Labor Party Selects Kennedy Ahanotu as Presidential Candidate for 2027 Election
Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, the leader of the Labor Party’s National Youth Party, has been chosen as the consensus presidential candidate for Julius Habre’s faction in the upcoming 2027 elections. This decision was made during a party primaries event held in Abuja.
The 42-year-old Ahanotu’s selection comes amid a prolonged leadership dispute within the Labor Party, which has seen competing factions vying for control. The National Working Committee, led by Abre, faces challenges from rival groups backed by influential party members, including Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti.
In his acceptance address, Ahanotu pledged to unify the party and enhance its organizational capacity in preparation for the general elections. He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his nomination, emphasizing his commitment to serving the party and the nation.
Ahanotu expressed his eagerness to collaborate with fellow candidates, leaders, and stakeholders throughout the country to strengthen the party’s framework, enhance internal democracy, and address existing rifts. He urged party members to focus on unity and shared goals, asserting that their collective strength lies in their dedication to a stronger Labor Party and an improved Nigeria.
Additionally, Ahanotu welcomed attempts at reconciliation within the party and indicated his willingness to engage with Governor Otti and other dissenting members. He believes that the governor should embrace a spirit of generosity in his recent electoral victory. Ahanotu stated that he aims to reach out to Otti to foster unity and collaboration within the party.
The ambition of Ahanotu to run for president first garnered attention in July 2025 when he articulated the need for a generational shift in Nigeria’s leadership. He then emphasized the urgency for the country to break free from the established political order that has persisted for decades.
During the primaries, Mr. Ayo Olorunfemi, representing the party’s National Chairman Julius Habre, announced Ahanotu as the official candidate. Olorunfemi highlighted that Ahanotu received an overwhelming consensus vote of 2.944 million, confirming his position without opposition. He noted that appointing a progressive youth as the party’s candidate marks a decisive step forward.
Ahanotu’s nomination signifies a pivotal moment in the Labor Party’s ongoing internal conflicts, as rival factions continue to vie for authority. With both sides gearing up for political campaigns and future primaries, the party faces the pressing challenge of resolving its leadership crisis to effectively compete in the upcoming presidential election.
In response to Ahanotu’s selection, Ken Asogwa, the National Publicity Secretary for Usman’s faction, dismissed the legitimacy of the rival group’s candidate choices. He asserted that Abre’s faction poses no threat and criticized their claims regarding candidate nomination procedures. Asogwa further stated that the party had not received any formal documents from the Supreme Court, as claimed by Habre, calling for an investigation into the matter.
