The Labour Party (LP) has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on winning a fourth term, and used the moment to make its case to Nigerian voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary Ken Eluma Asogwa hailed the victory in South America’s most populous country and largest economy.

He said it shows the confidence Brazilians have placed in a government rooted in social democracy.

Lula, a leftist, leads the Workers’ Party (PT), which the LP says shares its ideology. “Our shared beliefs and political philosophy, firmly rooted in social democracy, have continued to bring our paths together,” the party said.

From there, the LP turned to home, urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from Brazil by backing its candidates in all elective positions, and pointed to Abia State as evidence of what it can deliver.

The party said the “transformational leadership” of Governor Alex Otti shows its capacity, commitment and understanding of the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

It described Abia as proof of its fidelity to the cause of the people.

The LP argued that social democracy offers Nigeria a governance philosophy built on welfare, social justice, economic inclusion and equitable development. It said the country stands to gain from its leadership “across all tiers of government, including the presidency.”

As the campaign builds, the party asked voters to stay confident in its vision for a better Nigeria.

“The Brazilian experience has demonstrated the power of the people to shape their political destiny through the ballot,” it said.

It added that the same is possible in Nigeria, closing on its familiar slogan: “People Power is greater than political power.”

Lula, 80, won the October 25 runoff with about 51.8 per cent of the vote, ahead of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro by nearly 4.4 million votes, according to Brazil’s electoral court.

The runoff followed a tight race in which Bolsonaro had led the first round by more than 2.2 million votes.

Lula first won the presidency in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006.

He returned to office after narrowly defeating Bolsonaro’s father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, in 2022.

He is due to begin his fourth, non-consecutive term on January 5, 2027.

Bolsonaro has rejected the result and asked for the election to be annulled, though legal experts quoted in reports say there is little legal basis for that.