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February 25, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
Abuja, Nigeria — Former Labour Party (LP) presidential aspirant Joseph Faduri, popularly known as Fadojoe, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2027 Nigerian presidential election on the platform of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), positioning himself as a youth-driven alternative to the country’s entrenched political elite.
Faduri, who previously sought the Labour Party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general election, made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja, saying his decision followed “deep reflection and wide consultations” amid what he described as a critical period in the nation’s history.
Addressing journalists at the announcement event, the Osun State-born politician lamented what he sees as Nigeria’s departure from the vision of its founding fathers, arguing that bold, people-centred leadership is urgently needed to reverse the country’s economic and social decline. “Our country is bleeding, and our nation must be rescued at this critical moment,” Faduri said, urging Nigerians to reject leadership he characterised as recycled elites.
Recounting his personal journey, Faduri revealed he became an orphan at age 14 but remained determined to serve his country a story he framed as evidence of his resilience and commitment to public service. He faulted years of corruption and poor policy decisions for Nigeria’s mounting socio-economic challenges, saying public funds meant for development are frequently diverted with little accountability.
Faduri outlined broad policy priorities for his prospective administration, including economic stability, education reform, improved healthcare, power sector reforms, strengthened security, and robust support for local manufacturing. He characterised his proposed leadership as grounded in the motto: “People First. Nation First.”
Describing his move to the NRM as a response to the enduring hardship facing Nigerians, especially the youth, Faduri stressed that the next election should focus on ordinary citizens rather than entrenched political actors. “This election should be about the Nigerian people, the 99 per cent who have borne the brunt of these problems, especially the younger generation,” he said.
Faduri’s renewed presidential ambition comes amid lingering internal divisions within the Labour Party following the 2023 election. He publicly described the party’s leadership crisis last year as “karma” — a consequence of what he viewed as unjust internal processes that denied him the party’s presidential ticket in 2022. At the time, Faduri chose not to pursue legal redress, framing his restraint as an act of patriotism aimed at avoiding deeper party conflict.
Now aligned with the NRM, Faduri believes shifting his political base will better position him to mobilise a broad coalition of voters who are disillusioned with traditional party structures and political promises that have failed to deliver meaningful change.
As the 2027 presidential race gradually takes shape, Faduri’s entry on the NRM ticket could further diversify the field of contenders seeking to unseat the leadership established after the 2023 polls. Political analysts note that his youth-focused message and appeal to broader national renewal may resonate with younger voters frustrated by persistent economic hardship and governance challenges.
With internal dynamics in major parties shifting and emerging movements attempting to redefine Nigeria’s political landscape, Faduri’s campaign launch adds another layer to what is shaping up to be a highly contested election season.