The Labour Party on Tuesday elected former minister and ex-caretaker chairman Nenadi Usman as its substantive national chairman during the party’s national elective convention held in Umuahia, Abia State, as members moved to strengthen party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Usman emerged through a consensus process adopted by delegates at the convention, where other members of the National Working Committee were also chosen. Iheanacho Obioma emerged as national secretary, while actress and politician Hilda Dokubo was elected national women leader.
The convention brought together party leaders and delegates from across the country, with the process conducted through consensus and affirmative voting. The election marked a new phase for the party as it seeks to manage internal unity and prepare for future electoral contests.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who attended the convention, praised the conduct of the exercise and urged the new leadership to focus on rebuilding party cohesion. He called on the executives to begin reconciliation efforts and bring all members together, saying unity would be vital as the party heads toward primaries and the 2027 elections.
Attention at the convention also centered on strengthening internal structures, reducing divisions and expanding the party’s reach. Party leaders said the newly elected officials would face the task of managing membership concerns, handling preparations for primaries and positioning the party for future contests.
In her acceptance speech, Usman thanked delegates for entrusting her with the leadership of the party and promised to work with members to move the party forward. She called for cooperation among party stakeholders, saying building a stronger party would require collective effort.
Her emergence is expected to shape the next chapter of the Labour Party, especially as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the next general election. Observers see the convention as an attempt by the party to settle leadership issues and focus attention on organisation and electoral readiness.
The election of a substantive national leadership also comes at a time when parties are repositioning for 2027, with the Labour Party aiming to strengthen its internal base and maintain relevance in the growing political realignments across the country.