The Labour Party (LP) has elected Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman during the party’s national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State.
Her emergence marks a historic milestone, making her the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria.
Usman had earlier been appointed on September 4, 2024, to head the party’s National Caretaker Committee during a NEC meeting in Umuahia. This followed a leadership vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the former National Working Committee.
She guided the party through a turbulent period characterized by internal leadership disputes, which were eventually resolved in her favour by the Court of Appeal.
A former Minister of Finance and senator, Usman brings significant experience and leadership capacity to her new role.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, she faces the immediate task of positioning the party for electoral success. Building on its strong performance in the 2023 elections, the Labour Party has established itself as a major political force—one Usman is expected to further strengthen.
Before the convention, she had already been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, following a Federal High Court judgment delivered on January 21, 2026, which affirmed her leadership. This ruling was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgment on April 21, 2026.
In her acceptance speech, Usman thanked party members for their trust and pledged to reposition the party for greater achievements. She also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti and assured members of her commitment to delivering in her new role, emphasizing unity, peace, and reconciliation ahead of the next general elections.
Governor Otti, in his remarks, urged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide strong leadership and deepen 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 National Working Committee was sworn in at the convention.