Labour Party Holds National Convention, Retains Nenadi Usman as Chairman

The Labour Party (LP) has successfully conducted its National Elective Convention, re-electing Senator Nenadi Esther Usman as National Chairman alongside Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary and 32 other officials into key national positions.

The convention, held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Abia State, was widely described as peaceful and consensus-driven.

Speaking after the inauguration of the new National Working Committee, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, congratulated the newly elected officers and praised the smooth conduct of the exercise. He described the rancour-free process as a clear sign of unity within the party.

Governor Otti urged the new leadership to prioritise reconciliation by reaching out to aggrieved members and fostering inclusiveness.

“The first task before us is reconciliation and integration. Nobody should be left behind. This is a game of numbers, and we must bring everyone together,” he said, while also encouraging members to remain open to dialogue.

He further tasked the leadership with strengthening the party’s ongoing online membership registration and ensuring that upcoming primary elections are conducted in a transparent and peaceful manner.

“The registration portal is still open. We must address challenges, including issues around NIN registration, and work with relevant agencies to get more people onboard,” Otti added.

The governor also expressed confidence in Senator Usman’s leadership, describing her as competent, transparent, and accountable based on their working relationship over the past two years.

In his report, outgoing Caretaker Committee Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, described the convention as historic, marking the end of a turbulent phase in the party. He called on members to strengthen party structures from the grassroots to the national level.

Goodwill messages from party stakeholders, including Acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Barrister Lawson Osagie, and TUC representative, Engr. Nuhu Toro, emphasised the need for unity and reconciliation moving forward.

Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, commended Governor Otti’s leadership, noting that the convention complied with Nigeria’s constitution, INEC guidelines, and the party’s internal rules.

In her acceptance speech, Senator Nenadi Usman thanked party leaders and delegates for their confidence, stressing that leadership requires collective effort.

“I will need the support of everyone, and I assure you that I will not let you down,” she said.

Also speaking, the new National Secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, expressed appreciation to party members and emphasised unity, noting that there were no losers in the convention.

The convention also ratified key decisions of the party’s National Caretaker Committee and declared the 2024 Nnewi Convention organised by former leaders as invalid. The event was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Sani Adams, and attended by top party figures from across the country.