The National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, Kennedy Ahanotu, has declared his interest to contest the 2027 presidential election, making him the first from his party to openly join the race.
The 41-year-old politician revealed his ambition during an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday. He said Nigeria needs a reset and a move away from the old ways of governance.
“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,” he said.
Ahanotu added that the country has gone through too much disorder and needs urgent fixing.
“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,” he said.
He also pointed out that most of Nigeria’s past leaders, especially those who led the country after independence, were young when they rose to power. He gave the example of General Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of State at 29.
“Every man is born for a purpose. I believe that I carry the burden of impactful leadership. Hence, there is no better time to start the pursuit of the vision than now,” he added.
Ahanotu said he may no longer be in his 20s or 30s, but he believes he is ready.
“I remain morally, academically, constitutionally, emotionally, and mentally qualified to be Nigeria’s next president,” he said.
When asked if he plans to step down from his current position as youth leader, he said the Labour Party’s constitution does not ask him to do so, but he is willing to leave the role at the right time.
“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 or when we get to a certain point because I believe there is a higher calling for greater leadership impact if I become the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
He also commented on whether he would step aside if the Labour Party leadership chooses another candidate. Ahanotu replied that he would wait and respond if the situation happens, but he remains loyal to the party.
“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.
‘For me, it’s always wisdom to obey convincing institutional (party) directives,” he added.
On how he plans to fund his campaign and whether he has a political godfather, he refused to go into details but said he is aware of the costs involved in running for president.
“Well, I don’t have to talk about that now because 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 said.
