Senator Nenadi Usman emerged National Chairman of the Labour Party, at the party’s national convention in Umuahia, Abia State, thus becoming the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria.
Usman emerged with other members of the National Working Committee with Ken Eluma Asogwa emerging as National Publicity Secretary and actress Hilda Dokubo emerging as National Women Leader during the convention.
Before her election, Usman was Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, having been appointed on September 4, 2024, at a meeting of the NEC in Umuahia, after the tenure of the prior leadership had expired. She led the party through an internal crisis and leadership challenges which were subsequently resolved in her favour by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Her leadership was officially endorsed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on January 30, 2026, after a Federal High Court ruling on January 21, 2026, and reaffirmed in a unanimous decision by the Court of Appeal on April 21, 2026.
The former Minister of Finance and Senator, in her acceptance address, thanked party members for the confidence reposed in her and committed to reposition the party for greater success ahead of the 2027 general elections. She also promised to promote unity, peace and healing in the party and praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for what she called exceptional leadership.
Governor Otti, who spoke during his speech, called on the newly elected National Working Committee to provide meaningful leadership and build on the party’s institutions across the country as preparations begin for the next general elections.
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Other elected officials are Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, National Secretary, Mrs. Nike Oriola, Deputy National Chairman, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, National Organising Secretary, Comrade Anslem Eragbe, National Financial Secretary and a host of other national officers who were sworn in immediately after the convention.
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