National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Barrister Dan Nwanyanwu, has accused powerful political interests of attempting to weaken opposition parties through legal and political maneuvers, insisting that the party remains strong and positioned to produce Nigeria’s next president in the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the party’s Special Presidential Convention in Abuja on Saturday, Nwanyanwu said recent efforts to deregister some political parties were targeted at undermining democracy and limiting political competition ahead of the next election cycle.
The convention, which was attended by party members and delegates from across the country, was also witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who monitored the proceedings in line with electoral regulations.
The ZLP chairman disclosed that a court case instituted against the party and other political parties had negatively affected its political activities, particularly efforts to attract aspirants and candidates. According to him, many politicians were reluctant to join parties facing legal uncertainty despite assurances that the suits lacked merit.
He alleged that some individuals were moving from one political party to another, creating internal crises and weakening democratic institutions in the process. Nwanyanwu argued that the survival of a multiparty system was essential to the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
Giving an update on the legal challenge against the party, he said the Court of Appeal had ordered a stay of proceedings in the case pending the determination of an appeal scheduled for hearing in October. He expressed confidence that the party would ultimately prevail, insisting that ZLP had surpassed constitutional requirements for political party recognition.
“We are standing on the path of the law. Our party is strong, our party is peaceful, and we are not afraid of anything,” he told delegates.
Nwanyanwu further accused some public officials of failing to carry out due diligence before making pronouncements capable of affecting political parties and democratic institutions. He warned that actions perceived as attempts to suppress opposition parties could erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The ZLP leader also criticized recent legislative and electoral developments, including amendments affecting leadership positions in the National Assembly and electoral guidelines issued by INEC. He argued that some of the measures were inconsistent with constitutional provisions and could face legal challenges.
Defending the constitutional right of politicians to change political parties, Nwanyanwu maintained that freedom of association remained a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution and could not be taken away by administrative regulations or political arrangements.
Addressing President Bola Tinubu, the ZLP chairman urged the administration to focus on governance rather than political maneuvering. He warned that the actions of some political actors allegedly acting in support of the government were costing the President public goodwill.
“Yesterday marked three years of this administration. What has not been achieved in three years may be difficult to achieve in one year unless there is sincere reflection and a commitment to addressing the country’s challenges,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Nwanyanwu expressed optimism about the party’s future, assuring members that the ZLP would continue to expand its membership base and strengthen its structures nationwide.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to defending democracy, promoting transparency and providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
The convention culminated in the ratification of the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, with delegates expressing confidence in the party’s prospects at the polls.
“As we are gathered here today, we are determined to produce the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” Nwanyanwu declared to applause from delegates.
