By Seyi Odewale
The Labour Party on Tuesday formally elected former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, as its substantive National Chairman at the party’s national convention in Umuahia, Abia State, marking a major leadership transition as the opposition party braces for the 2027 general elections.
The development was announced in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, who confirmed that other members of the newly constituted National Working Committee were also elected and sworn into office immediately after the convention.
Among those elected were Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Mrs Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman, Ken Eluma Asogwa as National Publicity Secretary, Mrs Oluchi Oparah as National Organising Secretary, Comrade Anslem Eragbe as National Financial Secretary, and actress Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader.
“The newly elected National Working Committee has been sworn in and has officially assumed office,” the statement said.
Usman, who had earlier served as Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee following her appointment at a National Executive Council meeting in September 2024, solidified her hold on the party after a series of legal victories affirming her leadership.
“Senator Usman brings a wealth of experience and proven capacity to her new role,” the statement noted, adding that her emergence comes at a critical time as the party seeks to consolidate on its performance in the 2023 elections and reposition itself for future electoral contests.
The party also recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission officially recognised Usman’s leadership in January 2026 after a Federal High Court ruling, which the Court of Appeal later upheld on April 21, 2026.
In her acceptance speech, Usman thanked party delegates for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to strengthen the Labour Party’s internal cohesion and national structures.
“I will not let the party down. My focus will be on unity, reconciliation, and repositioning the Labour Party for greater national success,” she said.
She also praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his leadership role and support for the party.
Governor Otti, in his remarks, charged the new leadership to provide purposeful direction and deepen the party’s grassroots structures nationwide.
“The responsibility before you is enormous. You must build a stronger, more united Labour Party capable of meeting the aspirations of Nigerians,” Otti said.
Meanwhile, the LP suffered a political setback Tuesday night as its 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, announced his resignation from the party and declared his intention to join the Peoples Redemption Party.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed said, “I am leaving the Labour Party at midnight, and I am joining PRP. PRP is the new destination.”
He cited internal disagreements and what he described as the party’s departure from its founding ideals as reasons for his exit, signalling fresh cracks within the opposition movement ahead of 2027.
