By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Labour Party has elected Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman, a development that signals a new phase in the party’s leadership and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Usman’s emergence was ratified at the party’s national convention held in Umuahia on Tuesday, according to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa. The convention brought together delegates and stakeholders from across the country to resolve lingering leadership questions and set a unified agenda for the party.
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A former Minister of Finance and senator, Usman previously headed the party’s National Caretaker Committee following a leadership vacuum in September 2024. The Independent National Electoral Commission later affirmed her leadership after a series of judicial pronouncements, including rulings by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal earlier in 2026.
Her election is being viewed within party circles as a consolidation of legal and political legitimacy, coming after months of internal disputes. Analysts say the move could help stabilise the party and reposition it as a formidable force, particularly after its performance in the 2023 elections which significantly raised its national profile.
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The Merit Newspaper reports that in her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party members for their confidence, pledging to prioritise unity, internal reconciliation, and institutional strengthening. She assured stakeholders that her leadership would focus on expanding the party’s grassroots presence and improving its electoral competitiveness nationwide.
She also commended Alex Otti for his role in fostering cohesion within the party, while the Abia State governor urged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and deepen the party’s reach across all regions.
Other officials elected at the convention include Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Mrs Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman, and Asogwa as National Publicity Secretary. The new National Working Committee was sworn in shortly after the exercise, formally taking charge of the party’s affairs.
