The Labour Party faction loyal to Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti has announced February 28, 2026, as the date for its national convention as it launched a fresh drive to revalidate members and recruit 10 million new Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections. The exercise was formally unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday amid ongoing leadership disputes and court cases that have divided the party since the last general election.
Speaking virtually at the event, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, said the initiative was part of efforts to rebuild and reposition the party for future electoral contests. She acknowledged that the party had faced serious internal challenges but said most of the disputes had been resolved by the courts, while a few others were still pending.
Usman explained that strengthening the party’s membership base remained a key focus of the current leadership, adding that the new strategy was designed to bring back disaffected members and attract fresh supporters nationwide. She expressed confidence that the process would place the party on firmer ground as the next election cycle approaches.
According to the timetable sent to INEC, ward congresses will begin on January 13, 2026, after the close of the registration exercise. The party said INEC had acknowledged receipt of the schedule, confirming that due process had been followed.
The Acting National Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, said only registered members would be eligible to vote at the congresses leading to the national convention. He noted that the party chose a careful and inclusive approach rather than rushing the process.
Social activist Aisha Yesufu, who also addressed the gathering, urged Nigerians to take part in politics instead of withdrawing from it. She linked active participation to national progress and called on citizens to support the Labour Party’s rebuilding effort.
Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, was unveiled as chairman of the National Steering Committee for the membership exercise. He described the 10 million member target as a call for wider political participation and pledged to run an open and inclusive process. Members of the steering committee were later sworn in at the event.
The move comes weeks after another Labour Party faction led by Julius Abure announced a separate membership drive, deepening the parallel activities within the party ahead of 2027.