By Aaron Ossai
The Labour Party, LP at its National Convention in Umuahia, Abia State has elected Senator Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman making her the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Senator Usman was appointed to lead the National Caretaker Committee of the party at a National Executive Committee, NEC meeting in Umuahia, following a leadership vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the former leadership.
She successfully steered the party through a turbulent period marked by leadership disputes, which were ultimately resolved in her favour by the appellate court.
A former Minister of Finance and Senator, Usman brings a wealth of experience and proven capacity to her new role. As the 2027 general elections approach, she bears the immediate responsibility of positioning the party for electoral success.
Following its strong showing in the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party has firmly established itself as a formidable political platform, a foundation Senator Usman is poised to consolidate upon.
Prior to the convention, Senator Usman had been recognised as the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday, January 30, 2026 following a Federal High Court judgement delivered on 21st January 2026 affirming her leadership.
This decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgement delivered on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.
In her acceptance speech, Senator Usman expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to reposition the party for greater success.
She commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti for his exemplary leadership and assured members that she would not let the party down in her new capacity.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to fostering unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party ahead of the next general elections.
In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti charged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and strengthen the party’s structures nationwide.
Other members elected into the National Working Committee of the Party are Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, National Secretary; Mrs. Nike Oriola, Deputy National Chairman, Ken Eluma Asogwa, National Publicity Secretary; Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, National Organising Secretary; Comrade Anslem Eragbe, National Financial Secretary; Hilda Dokubo, National Women Leader, and a host of other national officers.
The newly elected National Working Committee was thereafter sworn in and has assumed office.
