By Achile Momoh
The Labour Party has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country despite the economic and security challenges confronting the nation as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The party made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to commemorate the anniversary.
The Labour Party acknowledged the challenges Nigeria has faced since independence, including what it described as missed opportunities and unfulfilled expectations, but said the country’s continued existence as one nation remained a reason for hope.
According to the party, Nigeria’s unity and diversity demonstrate the collective resolve of citizens despite the difficulties the country has experienced over the years.
The party also acknowledged the economic and security pressures facing Nigerians, attributing some of the challenges to what it described as ineffective leadership and governance over successive years.
It urged Nigerians not to surrender hope, saying citizens must continue to hold leaders accountable rather than resorting to resignation or despair.
Labour Party makes 2027 appeal
The party used the anniversary message to urge Nigerians to consider its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Labour Party said it had fielded candidates for various elective positions, from the presidential level to state assembly seats, whom it described as competent and credible.
The party also pointed to the administration of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, a Labour Party member, as an example of the type of leadership it said Nigerians seeking change should consider.
The party described Otti as a model of leadership and argued that his administration had demonstrated what it described as the party’s commitment to its promises to Nigerians.
The claims about the performance of the Abia administration were made by the Labour Party in its anniversary statement.
Party calls for citizen-focused governance
The Labour Party further called on public officials across the country to govern with empathy, justice and transparency.
It said the welfare and wellbeing of citizens should remain a priority for governments at all levels, arguing that sustainable national development requires deliberate attention to the needs of the people.
As Nigeria approaches 66 years since gaining independence on October 1, 1960, the party reaffirmed what it described as its faith in Nigerians and the country’s capacity to overcome its current difficulties and fulfil its potential.
The Federal Government has separately announced that the 66th Independence Anniversary will be marked under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
Source/Credit: Labour Party statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, National Publicity Secretary, September 30, 2026. Additional context: Vanguard.
