The Labour Party has made political history with the election of Senator Nenadi Usman as its new National Chairman during the party’s national convention held in Umuahia, Abia State.
With her emergence, Senator Nenadi Usman becomes the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s democratic and gender inclusion journey.
Also elected at the convention was Ken Eluma Asogwa, who emerged as the National Publicity Secretary alongside other members of the newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC).
It would be recalled that on September 4, 2024, Senator Usman was appointed to lead the party’s National Caretaker Committee during a NEC meeting in Umuahia following the expiration of the tenure of the former leadership, which created a leadership vacuum within the party.
She subsequently led the party through a turbulent period marked by internal leadership disputes and legal battles, which were eventually resolved in her favour by the appellate court.
Before the convention, Senator Usman had already been recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee on January 30, 2026, following a Federal High Court judgment delivered on January 21, 2026 affirming her leadership.
That decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgment delivered on April 21, 2026, further solidifying her legitimacy within the party structure.
A former Minister of Finance and former Senator, Nenadi Usman brings significant political experience and administrative capacity to the position at a critical time as the party begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Following Labour Party’s strong national performance in the 2023 general elections, party stakeholders believe her leadership presents an opportunity to consolidate gains and reposition the party as a stronger national opposition force.
In her acceptance speech, Senator Usman thanked party members for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to reposition the party for greater success.
She also commended Governor Alex Otti for what she described as exemplary leadership and assured members that she would work toward unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party ahead of the next general elections.
Governor Alex Otti, in his remarks, charged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and strengthen the party’s structures across the country.
Other members elected into the National Working Committee include Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Mrs. Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah as National Organising Secretary, Comrade Anslem Eragbe as National Financial Secretary, and Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader.
The newly elected officers were immediately sworn in and have officially assumed office, setting the stage for what many observers see as a crucial rebuilding phase for the Labour Party ahead of 2027.
