The Labour Party (LP) has elected Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman at its national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State. Her emergence marks a major leadership shift within the party as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.

Usman becomes the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria, a development party members described as a defining moment for internal party democracy.

From Caretaker Leader to Substantive Chairman

Usman had been leading the party as Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee since September 4, 2024. She was appointed at a NEC meeting in Umuahia following the expiration of the tenure of the former National Working Committee.

During that period, she oversaw the party through internal leadership disputes that were eventually resolved in her favour through court rulings. Her leadership was later recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a Federal High Court judgement delivered on January 21, 2026.

That decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal on April 21, 2026, further strengthening her position within the party ahead of the convention.

Legal Backing Strengthens Leadership Position

The court rulings played a key role in stabilising the party’s leadership structure after months of uncertainty. With both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal affirming her leadership, Usman entered the convention with significant institutional backing.

Her emergence as substantive chairman is seen as the formal consolidation of that leadership, transitioning from a caretaker arrangement to a fully recognised party structure.

Usman Promises Unity, Party Repositioning

In her acceptance speech, Usman thanked party members for their support and pledged to reposition the Labour Party for future electoral success. She emphasised the need for unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party.

She also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his role and assured members that her leadership would focus on strengthening internal cohesion ahead of the next general elections.

Otti Urges Strong Leadership as New NWC Emerges

Speaking at the convention, Governor Otti called on the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and deepen the party’s structures nationwide. He stressed the importance of building a strong and united platform capable of competing effectively in future elections.

The convention also produced other key members of the National Working Committee, including Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman, and Ken Eluma Asogwa as National Publicity Secretary.

Others include Oluchi Oparah as National Organising Secretary, Anslem Eragbe as National Financial Secretary, and Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader. The newly elected officials were sworn in at the convention.

Labour Party Enters New Phase Ahead of 2027

Usman’s emergence signals a new phase for the Labour Party as it moves to stabilise its internal structure and prepare for the 2027 elections. With leadership disputes largely resolved, attention is expected to shift to party expansion, voter mobilisation, and national positioning.

The coming months will test the party’s ability to maintain unity and translate its internal reorganisation into broader political relevance.