2027: ZLP presidential candidate vows to crush insecurity, end corruption

The presidential candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, Dan Nwanyanwu, has pledged to tackle Nigeria’s insecurity and corruption if elected in the 2027 general election, saying both challenges have weakened national development and public confidence in government.

Nwanyanwu made the pledge on Saturday after emerging as the party’s presidential candidate at the ZLP national convention, where he outlined his priorities for what he described as Nigeria’s most pressing national challenges.

Addressing delegates, he said insecurity had become a major threat to national stability and economic growth.

“We have reached a point where insecurity has become a source of national embarrassment. Citizens no longer feel safe in many parts of the country, and confidence in the ability of government to protect lives and property has been severely weakened,” he said.

He warned that no country could achieve meaningful development under persistent insecurity.

“It is a common fact that no nation battling this level of insecurity can achieve sustainable development. Before we can talk about economic growth, industrialization or prosperity, we must first secure the lives and property of Nigerians,” he added.

Nwanyanwu accused successive governments of failing to adequately address the root causes of insecurity, arguing that a lack of political will had worsened the crisis.

“The lack of political will by those in authority has contributed significantly to the security challenges confronting our nation. Nigerians deserve a government that is ready to act decisively and responsibly,” he said.

Outlining his security plan, he pledged to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve coordination among security agencies.

“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I will immediately direct our security and intelligence agencies to identify, track and dismantle criminal networks wherever they may be operating. Those responsible for acts of terror, banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He also called for the adoption of community policing, saying local intelligence was key to tackling insecurity.

“We must build a policing system that is closer to the people. Community policing is not just an option; it is a necessity if we are serious about addressing insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.

On corruption, Nwanyanwu described it as a major obstacle to development, accusing corrupt officials of diverting public resources.

“Corruption has robbed millions of Nigerians of opportunities and basic social services. Funds that should be used to improve the lives of citizens have often ended up in private pockets,” he said.

He vowed that his administration would ensure strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

“There will be no sacred cows under my government. Every allegation of corruption will be investigated thoroughly, and anyone found guilty, regardless of status or political affiliation, will be made to face justice,” he said.

He added that recovered funds would be channelled into development projects.

“Public resources belong to Nigerians. Any money recovered from corrupt practices will be invested in projects that directly improve the welfare of our people,” he said.

Nwanyanwu also linked corruption to infrastructure deficits and poor public services, pledging to prioritise youth development, job creation and national unity if elected.

“We cannot continue to produce graduates without creating opportunities for them. Our young people deserve access to skills, technology, innovation and an enabling environment that allows them to thrive,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divisions, insisting that the country’s future depended on unity and accountable leadership.

“Nigeria has enormous potential. What we need is leadership that is committed to the people, leadership that places national interest above personal gain,” he added.