The presidential candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu, has pledged to prioritise national unity, address insecurity and corruption if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Mr Nwanyanwu, who emerged as the consensus candidate at the party’s national convention on Saturday in Abuja, made the pledge in his acceptance speech.

He noted that Nigerians were not united as they used to be, stressing that the country’s diversity had been mismanaged over the years.

Mr Nwanyanwu said, “I want to thank you for this opportunity, and I want to assure you that I will make use of this mandate.

“There are a few things I will give immortal priority when I emerge as president of Nigeria; the first is national unity. Nigeria’s unity has suffered setbacks over the years, and our diversity, which should be a source of strength, has been mismanaged.

“Ethnicity and religious consciousness have deepened to the point of threatening the corporate existence of our country.

“My government will take it as a matter of national emergency to take steps to unite Nigerians by promoting inclusive government, restoration of citizens’ rights and setting up building blocks across the regions.

“Insecurity has deteriorated. If I am given the mandate by the Nigerian people to become president, I will immediately equip and direct all security agencies to smoke out all insurgents across Nigeria.

“I will eliminate them without mercy; those arrested will be prosecuted swiftly; their collaborators, enablers and facilitators will be equally prosecuted and punished,” he said.

Mr Nwanyanwu said he would send an executive bill to the National Assembly to establish state and community policing to further ensure people’s security.

The presidential candidate said that corruption, in any guise, would not be tolerated or shielded in his administration, and that perpetrators would be dealt with decisively.

Mr Nwanyanwu said that individuals and groups with unexplained affluence would be thoroughly investigated and sanctioned.

He said that every existing modern technology required to address insecurity in the country would be acquired and fully developed.

He also pledged to restore confidence in youths and make Nigeria a hub for economic and social prosperity.

The presidential candidate urged party members to remain faithful and mobilise support across the country for victory at the polls in 2027.

(NAN)