Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), has clinched the party’s ticket as its consensus presidential candidate for the next general election.
Nwanyanwu was endorsed by delegates at the party’s National Convention held in Abuja on Saturday 30 May 2026, where he delivered a firm address outlining his vision for addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
In his acceptance speech, the ZLP flagbearer placed national unity at the top of his agenda, warning that deepening ethnic and religious divisions have severely undermined the country’s cohesion.
“I must thank you for believing in me and for the confidence you have in my ability. I assure you that I will make good use of this mandate,” Nwanyanwu said.
He continued: “As we get into the business of governance, the first thing my government will do as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is to unite Nigerians. We are not united. We are living in self-deceit and pretensions.
“Nigeria’s unity has suffered very serious setbacks, especially in the past 11 years. Our diversity, which ought to be a source of strength, has been mismanaged.”
The presidential hopeful stressed that restoring public confidence, especially among the youth, would require inclusive governance and strict protection of citizens’ rights.
On insecurity, Nwanyanwu criticised current strategies, declaring them ineffective against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
“I will equip and direct all security agencies to smoke out these insurgents and criminals wherever they are within the shores and boundary of Nigeria. I will eliminate them without mercy,” he declared.
“Those who have been arrested will be prosecuted swiftly. Their collaborators, enablers and facilitators will also be prosecuted and punished. I will send an Executive Bill to establish federal, state and community policing.”
He added that restructuring the policing system would enhance coordination and boost rapid response across the federation.
On corruption, the ZLP candidate promised zero tolerance, saying his administration would strengthen anti-graft agencies through legal reforms and institutional overhaul.
“My government will have zero tolerance for corruption. The laws establishing anti-corruption agencies will be reviewed to give them more teeth. We will undertake the audit of all property and bank deposits in Nigeria to determine the legality of those acquisitions,” he said.
Nwanyanwu also hinted at broader reforms, including revamping the power sector, stimulating industrial growth, expanding access to finance, and promoting true federalism through decentralisation.
