A prominent figure in the Labour Party Peter Agada, on Friday formally announced his intention to run in the 2027 presidential election during a visit to the Och’Idoma Palace.
The declaration was made as he met with the Paramount Ruler, Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, informing the traditional leader of his ambition to contest for Nigeria’s highest office.
The event attracted a significant gathering of palace chiefs, youth organisations, and traditional aides.
Agada arrived at the palace accompanied by a delegation of young professionals and political associates. He received a warm welcome, with the atmosphere turning celebratory as cultural performances and chants filled the venue.
While addressing the royal court, the architect and former Director of Finance of the Obedient Movement outlined his policy framework, branded as Labour Direct. He identified insecurity, widespread youth unemployment, the declining value of the naira, deteriorating infrastructure, and a lack of trust in governance as “major problems befallen us as a nation.”
Presenting his plans, Agada said Labour Direct would prioritise security through a combination of community-based intelligence and technology-driven systems to protect both urban centres and rural communities.
On economic development, he proposed creating industrial hubs across the country’s geopolitical zones, with emphasis on agro-processing and solid minerals, linking these initiatives directly to youth employment opportunities.
He also highlighted plans for a nationwide skills-to-industry programme, alongside urgent reforms in education and primary healthcare, aimed at strengthening human capital.
Agada said: “Nigeria needs execution, not excuses. Labour Direct is about putting Nigerians to work, securing them, skilling them, and giving them a stake.”
The Labour Party aspirant currently serves in the Big Tent Shadow Government as Minister of Infrastructure, Energy, Works, Housing and Urban Development. He has also held the position of Chairman of the Big Tent Support Group Council.
Beyond politics, Agada is the Founder and Chairman of Cyrus Group Nigeria, described as the world’s largest acoustics organisation, and has served as President of the Congress of Nigerian Professionals since 2006.
In his remarks, HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John expressed enthusiasm about the growing collaboration among young people, stating he was “thrilled and excited” by their efforts to unite and network.
The monarch commended Agada’s “boldness and demonstration of strength and capacity,” describing it as a moment of pride for the Idoma people.
However, he also urged greater unity within the community, cautioning: “Unity amongst the Idoma has been largely lacking. If we must present our best to Nigeria, we must first be one at home.”
The Och’Idoma concluded by offering royal blessings for the initiative and called on “all Idoma persons, at home and abroad, to join in support and prayers for their own.” The ceremony ended with loud chants, drumming, and jubilation from youth groups present.
Following the endorsement, Agada’s team announced that nationwide consultations under the Labour Direct platform will commence in May.
