Labour Party Turns a New Page as Nenadi Usman Emerges National Chairman

The Labour Party has entered a new phase of leadership following the emergence of Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman, alongside Hon. Acho Obioma as National Secretary.

Usman and a 34-member National Working Committee (NWC) were elected on Tuesday at the party’s 2026 Elective National Convention held at the International Conference Centre Umuahia. Their emergence followed a consensus-based adoption by delegates after the formal dissolution of the party’s Caretaker/Interim National Working Committee.

The motion for dissolution, moved by Darlington Nwokocha and seconded by Pastor Martina Umana, paved the way for the election of substantive national officers in line with constitutional provisions.

Speaking at the convention, Alex Otti commended the peaceful and inclusive process, describing it as a reflection of national unity. He urged the new leadership to prioritise reconciliation, reintegrate aggrieved members, and expand the party’s base through active engagement and digital membership registration.

He stressed that rebuilding trust within the party would be key to its future success, noting that politics is ultimately a game of numbers. Otti also charged the leadership to ensure credible and transparent primaries at all levels, while appreciating the Independent National Electoral Commission for its role in monitoring the convention.

In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to lead with integrity and inclusiveness. She called for unity among party members, emphasising that collective effort would be crucial as the party prepares for future elections.

Earlier, Nwokocha presented the party’s state of affairs, highlighting how the interim leadership stabilised its structures after a prolonged crisis. He pointed to key judicial victories, including rulings by the Supreme Court and other courts, which restored the party’s legitimacy and institutional authority.

Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, described the event as a defining moment for strengthening internal democracy, noting that it followed a credible process from ward to state congresses nationwide.

Labour leaders also lent their voices to the occasion. Representing the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Dr. Nuhu Toro underscored the need for a disciplined, ideologically driven political platform amid economic challenges. Similarly, a representative of the Nigeria Labour Congress described the convention as a critical step toward economic liberation, urging members to remain committed ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, Acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Lawson Osagie, called on the new leadership to prioritise unity and institutional stability, describing the convention as a milestone in the party’s history.

The convention, themed “Labour Party Rising: United for Victory,” concluded with the presentation of certificates of return to all elected officials, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the party.