Labour Party Picks Konto As Okereke’s Running Mate

The Labour Party (LP) has officially unveiled Hajja Bintu Konto as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, completing its presidential ticket alongside the party’s flagbearer, Chibuzo Okereke.

According to Ireporter Online, the announcement was made on Saturday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, who said Konto’s emergence followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders. He explained that her selection reflects the party’s commitment to presenting a leadership team built on competence, integrity, inclusiveness and national unity.

Asogwa described Konto as a seasoned public health expert and humanitarian professional with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, community development and emergency response. He noted that she dedicated many years to working with vulnerable populations, particularly across Nigeria’s North-East region.

He disclosed that Konto retired from Catholic Relief Services after holding several strategic positions, including Community and Government Liaison Officer, where she coordinated humanitarian interventions and mobilization efforts for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable communities in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The Labour Party spokesman further stated that Konto is a trained nurse, midwife and public health specialist who holds a Master’s degree in Public Health. He added that she previously lectured in Community Health and currently serves on the Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund in Nigeria, while also serving as the National Treasurer of the Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN).

The party maintained that her nomination demonstrates its dedication to promoting gender inclusion and identifying capable leaders from different parts of the country. It expressed confidence that her vast experience in healthcare, humanitarian services and development would significantly strengthen the party’s policy direction and governance agenda.

The Labour Party also highlighted Konto’s multilingual abilities, noting that her fluency in English, Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa, Fulani and Bura has enabled her to build productive partnerships with government agencies, traditional rulers and civil society organisations on health, nutrition, WASH and humanitarian initiatives.

Describing the Okereke-Konto ticket as one that embodies a new generation of purposeful and people-focused leadership, the party said the duo is committed to rebuilding public trust, strengthening democratic institutions, revitalising the economy and enhancing national security if elected in 2027.

The party concluded by calling on Nigerians to rally behind its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, expressing confidence that the ticket offers a credible alternative capable of addressing the nation’s pressing socio-economic and governance challenges.