Faduri Joseph Dumps Labour Party, Declares Intention to Run for President in 2027 on NRM Platform

By Our Reporter

A Nigerian reform advocate and diaspora figure, Mr. Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, has dumped Labour Party and formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), citing what he described as an urgent need to “rescue Nigeria from systemic failure.”

In a detailed declaration addressed to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, Joseph said his decision followed “deep reflection, prayers, and wide consultations,” stressing that the country is at a critical crossroads.

“Today, with humility, faith, and an unshakeable belief in Nigeria, I formally declare my intention to run for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2027 presidential election,” he announced.

Joseph anchored his declaration on the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whom he said envisioned a true republic defined by dignity, prosperity, justice, and unity.

“They fought for a republic where government would be kind to its people; where life would be dignified; where food would be affordable and available; and where love of country would supersede love of self,” he said.

Lamenting the nation’s current state, the presidential hopeful painted a grim picture of widespread poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and economic decline. He described Nigeria as a country “burdened by poverty imposed by the very leaders entrusted to lead us to prosperity.”

“Insecurity in Nigeria is worse than in many nations officially at war. Our economy is on an embarrassing trajectory. Our currency has lost value and credibility, and the Nigerian passport – once respected – has become devalued and rejected,” Joseph stated.

He also decried the erosion of national cohesion and values, noting that distrust, hunger, and fear now dominate public life.

“A nation once flowing with milk and honey now groans under hunger and deprivation. A country once safe is now plagued by kidnapping, banditry, and fear,” he added.

Addressing Nigerians in the diaspora, Joseph emphasized their growing role in sustaining the country through remittances and moral support, warning that continued inaction could leave future generations without a nation to proudly call their own.

“If we fail to act now, we risk becoming a second generation of freed slaves – wandering foreign lands with no nation to proudly call our own,” he warned.

Joseph recalled his political decision in the 2023 presidential election, when he stepped down in support of Mr. Peter Obi on the platform of the Labour Party, saying it was done in the interest of national unity. However, he argued that circumstances have since changed.

“Today, that platform has been hijacked by entrenched interests. Therefore, in 2027, I will launch my presidential bid on the platform that truly represents the people, the National Rescue Movement (NRM), proudly symbolized by the honeybee,” he said.

Explaining the symbolism, Joseph said the honeybee represents “industry, unity, and shared prosperity,” adding that his ambition is to return Nigeria to what he called her “honey days.”

He unveiled his campaign slogan as “People’s First; Nation’s First,” promising a people-centered government that prioritizes national interest over personal or sectional gains.

“Poverty in Nigeria has no tribe. Hunger has no religion. Suffering has no ethnic color. Every Nigerian is affected, and we must act, together,” he declared.

Joseph pledged to build a broad-based movement that harnesses the expertise of Nigerians both at home and abroad to create a “New Nigeria – stronger, fairer, and more just.”

“This movement will be a government of the people. Just as the new Jerusalem was greater than the old, we will build a new Nigeria, one we can truly call a republic we can keep,” he said.

Ending his declaration on a note of optimism and faith, the NRM presidential hopeful expressed confidence in collective action and divine guidance.

“Yes, we can. Yes, we will. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Joseph concluded.

With his announcement, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph becomes one of the early contenders to signal interest in the 2027 presidential race, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive and consequential election.