Labour Party Elects Usman, Affirms Unity and New Leadership Direction
National Chairman of Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman making her acceptance speech after election
The Labour Party (LP) has elected its immediate past National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, as its substantive National Chairman.
The party also elected Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, alongside 32 other officials into various national offices.
The new executive members were elected on Tuesday during the party’s National Convention held in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
Addressing delegates after the consensus election and inauguration of the new national officers at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, congratulated the officers on their emergence and expressed satisfaction with the rancour-free process, describing it as evidence of growing unity within the party.
He urged the new leadership to prioritise reconciliation, stressing that internal cohesion would be critical to the party’s electoral prospects.
“The immediate task before the new leadership is reconciliation and integration. No member should feel excluded. The National Working Committee must actively engage aggrieved stakeholders and restore confidence across all levels of the party,” he said.
Governor Otti also appealed to dissatisfied members to respond positively to reconciliation efforts, noting that political strength depends largely on inclusiveness and numerical support.
He further charged the National Working Committee to strengthen the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration drive, while addressing structural challenges particularly those linked to the National Identity Number (NIN),through collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission.
On the issue of upcoming primaries, the governor emphasised the need for credibility and transparency:
“The conduct of free, fair, and transparent primaries,from state assemblies to the presidential level will define the party’s integrity and electability. The standard set by this convention must be sustained.”
He added that the party must prepare for a demanding political calendar encompassing primaries, campaigns, and general elections.
Governor Otti also commended the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Council, and the outgoing Interim National Working Committee for their service and contributions during a challenging transitional period.
He acknowledged the presence of observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) describing their participation as essential to democratic credibility.
Speaking on the new chairman, Otti expressed strong confidence in Senator Usman’s leadership, citing her record of transparency, accountability, and administrative competence.
Presenting the annual report, the outgoing Caretaker Committee Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, described the convention as a turning point for the party, marking the end of a prolonged period of internal instability.
He urged members to consolidate the gains by building functional party structures from the ward level to the national level.
In goodwill messages, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Lawson Osagie, and a representative of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Engr. Nuhu Toro, commended the leadership of Governor Otti and the outgoing committee.
They emphasised that reconciliation, institutional discipline, and strategic mobilisation would be crucial to repositioning the party as a viable national alternative.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 2026 National Convention and member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, described the convention as a demonstration of commitment to constitutional order and party discipline.
He noted that the exercise complied with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guidelines of the electoral commission, and the party’s internal regulations.
In her acceptance speech, Senator Nenadi Usman expressed gratitude to party leaders and delegates for their confidence, particularly acknowledging Governor Otti’s support.
She underscored the need for collective leadership, stating that the task ahead required cooperation, inclusiveness, and institutional strengthening.
Delivering a vote of thanks, the new National Secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, appreciated delegates and aspirants for their conduct, stressing that the convention produced no losers.
He pledged that the new leadership would work collaboratively to rebuild and expand the party.
The convention also adopted and ratified key resolutions, including the legitimacy of the National Caretaker Committee previously led by Senator Usman.
It further declared null and void the disputed 2024 Nnewi convention organised by a faction of the former leadership, reinforcing the authority of the current party structure.
The event, attended by party stakeholders from across the federation, was observed by a delegation from the electoral commission led by Prof. Sani Adams.
