The Labour Party (LP) has elected Nenadi Usman as its new National Chairman during its national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State.
With her emergence, Usman makes history as the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that on September 4, 2024, she was appointed to lead the party’s National Caretaker Committee following the expiration of the tenure of the former National Working Committee, which created a leadership vacuum.
During her time as caretaker chairman, Usman successfully guided the party through a period of internal crisis and leadership disputes, which were eventually resolved in her favour by the appellate court.
A former Minister of Finance and senator, she brings extensive political and administrative experience to her new role, especially as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Following its strong performance in the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party has continued to position itself as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape—a momentum Usman is expected to build upon.
Before the convention, she had already been recognised as Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), based on a Federal High Court judgement delivered on January 21, 2026, which affirmed her leadership. This decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal on April 21, 2026.
In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party members for their trust and pledged to reposition the party for greater success. She also emphasized her commitment to unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party.
She commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his support and assured members that she would not disappoint in her new role.
Governor Otti, in his remarks, urged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide strong leadership and strengthen the party’s structures across the country.
Other members elected into the National Working Committee include Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary; Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman; Ken Eluma Asogwa as National Publicity Secretary; Oluchi Oparah as National Organising Secretary; Anslem Eragbe as National Financial Secretary; and Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader.
The newly elected committee members were sworn in at the convention.
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