ZLP Picks Nwanyanwu as Presidential Candidate, Unveils Bold Agenda on Unity, Security, Anti-Corruption By Raymond Enoch
The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has formally presented its National Chairman, Dan Nwanyanwu, as its consensus presidential candidate, setting the stage for what the party describes as a determined push to rebuild national unity, tackle insecurity and strengthen governance across Nigeria.
Nwanyanwu emerged at the party’s National Convention in Abuja on Saturday, where party leaders and delegates unanimously endorsed his candidacy and rallied behind a vision anchored on national cohesion, security sector reforms, economic revival and a relentless fight against corruption.
Accepting the nomination, the ZLP standard-bearer expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify the mandate by offering purposeful leadership capable of addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
According to him, restoring national unity would be the immediate priority of a ZLP-led administration, arguing that deepening ethnic and religious divisions have weakened Nigeria’s social fabric and undermined public trust in government.
“I must thank you for believing in me. I must thank you for the confidence you have in my ability. I assure you that I will make good use of this mandate,” he said.
Nwanyanwu maintained that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division, stressing that years of mismanagement and exclusion have contributed to growing distrust among citizens.
The ZLP candidate also promised a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, insisting that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime require decisive and coordinated action.
He pledged to strengthen and adequately equip security agencies to confront criminal elements across the country while ensuring swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators.
“I will equip and direct all security agencies to smoke out these insurgents and criminals wherever they are within the shores and boundaries of Nigeria. Those arrested will be prosecuted swiftly, while their collaborators, enablers and facilitators will also face the full weight of the law,” he said.
As part of his security reform agenda, Nwanyanwu announced plans to send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly seeking the establishment of federal, state and community policing structures to improve intelligence gathering and local security response.
On corruption, the ZLP flagbearer vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance policy, promising to strengthen anti-corruption institutions through legal reforms, enhanced financial oversight and greater institutional accountability.
“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 a comprehensive audit of properties and bank deposits to determine the legality of those acquisitions,” he stated.
Beyond security and governance, Nwanyanwu outlined plans to revitalise the power sector, accelerate industrial growth, improve access to finance for businesses and promote a more decentralised system of governance consistent with the principles of true federalism.
The convention showcased the ZLP’s determination to position itself as a credible alternative political platform, with party leaders expressing confidence that Nwanyanwu’s candidacy would resonate with Nigerians seeking unity, security, economic opportunity and accountable leadership.
