By Queen Kunde
The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has endorsed its National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, as its consensus presidential candidate, with the party flagbearer promising to tackle national disunity, insecurity and corruption if elected president.
Nwanyanwu emerged at the party’s National Convention held in Abuja on Saturday, where he outlined what he described as urgent priorities for Nigeria, including restoring national unity, strengthening security and reforming anti-corruption institutions.
Speaking after his endorsement, Nwanyanwu thanked party members for their confidence and pledged to use the mandate to address challenges confronting the country.
He identified national unity as the first task his administration would pursue, arguing that ethnic and religious divisions have weakened the country’s cohesion and undermined public trust.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than conflict, adding that rebuilding trust among citizens, especially young people, would require inclusive governance and respect for the rights of all Nigerians.
On security, the ZLP candidate vowed to take a tougher approach against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, saying current strategies have not produced the desired results.
He promised to equip security agencies adequately and ensure the swift prosecution of criminals and their collaborators. Nwanyanwu also pledged to send an Executive Bill to establish federal, state and community policing systems to improve security coordination and response across the country.
The presidential hopeful further declared a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, promising to strengthen anti-corruption agencies through legal reforms and greater institutional powers.
He said his administration would review existing laws governing anti-corruption bodies and introduce measures to track illicit wealth, including audits of property ownership and bank deposits to verify their legitimacy.
Beyond security and governance, Nwanyanwu outlined plans to reform the power sector, support industrial growth, expand access to finance and promote greater decentralisation in line with Nigeria’s federal structure.
The ZLP candidate said these measures would help drive economic development, create opportunities for citizens and strengthen confidence in government institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.