The Labour Party (LP) has elected Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman at its national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead a political party at the national level in Nigeria.

Her emergence follows a period of internal restructuring within the party. It would be recalled that on September 4, 2024, Usman was appointed to head the party’s National Caretaker Committee during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Umuahia, after the tenure of the previous National Working Committee expired.

During her time as caretaker chairman, she navigated the party through a turbulent phase characterised by leadership disputes. The crisis was eventually resolved in her favour through judicial pronouncements, including a Federal High Court judgement delivered on January 21, 2026, which affirmed her leadership, subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal on April 21, 2026.

A former Minister of Finance and senator, Usman brings extensive political and administrative experience to the role. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, she is expected to spearhead efforts to strengthen the party’s structure and consolidate on its performance in the 2023 elections, where the Labour Party emerged as a major political force.

In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed appreciation 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, Alex Otti, for his support and assured members of her commitment to unity, peace, and internal reconciliation ahead of future elections.

In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti urged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and deepen the party’s national presence.

Other members elected into the National Working Committee include:

Iheanacho Obioma – National Secretary

Nike Oriola – Deputy National Chairman

Ken Eluma Asogwa – National Publicity Secretary

Oluchi Oparah – National Organising Secretary

Anslem Eragbe – National Financial Secretary

Hilda Dokubo – National Women Leader

The newly elected National Working Committee was subsequently sworn in at the convention.