Kennedy Ahanotu, the National Youth Leader of the Labour Party (LP), has declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election.
At 41, Ahanotu becomes the first member of the LP to openly announce his ambition for the nation’s top office.
In an interview published Tuesday, he said Nigeria urgently needed a generational shift and institutional reform.
“I am contesting for the highest office in the land to give Nigeria a fresh start — one rooted in institutional transformation and rebuilding. It’s time to hit the industrial reset button and build a sustainable democracy that works for all,” he told Punch.
Referencing historical precedents, Ahanotu cited Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of State at age 29, as an example of youthful leadership Nigeria should revisit.
“Every man is born for a purpose. I believe mine is to provide impactful leadership, and now is the time to pursue that vision,” he said.
Ahanotu asserted that he was fully prepared to lead, stating he is “morally, academically, constitutionally, emotionally, and mentally” fit for the presidency.
On whether he would resign his position as LP youth leader, he noted that the party’s constitution did not require it but said he might step aside when necessary.
“If the need arises, I will not hesitate. There’s a higher calling for greater impact,” he said.
When asked if he would withdraw should the party endorse another candidate, Ahanotu responded, “As a loyal party member, I am bound by the constitution and internal mechanisms of the Labour Party.”
He declined to disclose how he planned to fund his campaign but acknowledged the high financial demands of a presidential run.
“I know what it takes to run for the presidency in today’s monetised political climate. When the time comes, we’ll see if money can stop us,” he said.
