The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu has declared that the party will work to ensure that a former APC member Professor Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia who recently joined its ranks emerges as senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This is as he expressed the confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections
Speaking during a visit to the politician to in Abuja, Nwanyanwu described the ZLP as a platform anchored on internal democracy, constitutional compliance and the rule of law.
According to him, the party has remained free of the internal crises currently affecting several political parties because it conducts its affairs in line with its constitution and established procedures.
“We did our primaries and there is no single complaint because we believe in the rule of law and obeying our constitution,” he said.
The ZLP chairman confirmed that the professor-turned-politician would contest the FCT Senate seat on the party’s platform, expressing confidence that Abuja voters would support candidates capable of advancing their interests.
“Those making noise today will not determine the outcome of the election. FCT residents will vote for people who can serve them better,” he stated.
Nwanyanwu described the aspirant as a man of integrity, character and proven reliability, adding that he had demonstrated qualities that made him a valuable ally of the party.
“He is an honourable man. He has character, integrity and content. He is somebody we can trust,” he said.
The ZLP chairman also criticised attempts to portray the ruling APC as politically invincible, arguing that the defection of governors to the ruling party does not automatically translate into electoral support from ordinary Nigerians.
Questioning the rationale behind alleged moves to weaken opposition parties, he said a party that genuinely controls a majority of states should have no reason to fear a competitive election.
“If you have 32 governors, why should you be afraid of a general election? If what Nigerians are being offered is a coronation instead of a contest, then they should be told,” he said.
Nwanyanwu further claimed that some governors who defected to the APC did so without carrying their supporters along, insisting that electoral outcomes would ultimately be determined by voters rather than political office holders.
He also dismissed concerns that the ZLP could be affected by ongoing controversies surrounding political parties and candidate nominations, maintaining that the party had strictly adhered to constitutional provisions and electoral guidelines.
According to him, the party had completed its nomination processes and was already collecting the necessary codes for the submission of candidates’ details to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We do not breach our rules. We follow our constitution strictly, and we are prepared for the next stage of the electoral process,” he said.
The ZLP chairman maintained that the party would continue to position itself as a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking a platform built on transparency, internal democracy and respect for the rule of law.