2027 Poll: Labour Party Unveils Female Vice Presidential Candidate

The Labour Party has unveiled Hajja Bintu Konto as its vice presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, pairing her with the party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, as it positions itself ahead of the next presidential contest.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa.

According to the party, the decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders and was aimed at presenting Nigerians with a presidential ticket that reflects “competence, integrity, inclusiveness, patriotism and proven capacity for public service.”

The Labour Party described Konto as a seasoned public health expert, humanitarian leader and development practitioner with more than three decades of experience in healthcare delivery, humanitarian intervention, community development and stakeholder engagement.

The party said her work, particularly in conflict-affected communities across Northern Nigeria, has earned her recognition as “a bridge-builder, consensus mobiliser and compassionate leader.”

Before her retirement, Konto worked with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), where she served in several strategic positions, including Community and Government Liaison Program Officer. During her career, she led engagements with government institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and local communities on health, nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and humanitarian programmes.

She also coordinated humanitarian response and community mobilisation efforts across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, overseeing interventions targeted at vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons.

A trained nurse, midwife, health educator and public health specialist, Konto holds a Master’s degree in Public Health. She has also served as a lecturer in Community Health and currently sits on the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund in Nigeria. In addition, she is the National Treasurer of the Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunisation, and Nutrition (ACOMIN).

Highlighting her credentials, the party said her experience in governance engagement, humanitarian coordination, women’s empowerment, public policy implementation and conflict-sensitive programming, coupled with her fluency in English, Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa, Fulani and Bura, makes her “a national asset whose experience will greatly enrich the Labour Party’s vision of rebuilding Nigeria.”

The Labour Party said the nomination reflects its commitment to gender inclusion, national unity and merit-based leadership.

“The nomination of Hajja Bintu Konto further underscores the Labour Party’s enduring commitment to gender inclusion, national unity and the promotion of competent leadership drawn from every part of our country,” the statement read.

“It is also a clear demonstration that our Party remains resolute in presenting a ticket that reflects the diversity, resilience and aspirations of the Nigerian people.”

The party further stated that Konto’s experience would strengthen its campaign message, particularly in addressing issues affecting women, children, rural communities and populations impacted by insecurity.

“As our Vice Presidential Candidate, Hajja Bintu Konto brings compassion, experience, administrative competence and an uncommon understanding of the developmental challenges confronting millions of Nigerians, particularly women, children, rural communities and populations affected by insecurity.

“Together with Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, she represents a new generation of purposeful, people-centred leadership committed to restoring hope, strengthening national institutions, reviving the economy, improving security and delivering responsible governance.”

The Labour Party also appealed to Nigerians to support its presidential ticket in the 2027 election, saying it offers a vision for “a united, prosperous, secure and just Nigeria.”