By Nathaniel Irobi, Abuja
The Labour Party has elected Senator Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman at the party’s national convention held on Monday in Umuahia, Abia State, making history as the first woman to be elected National Chairman of any political party in Nigeria.
Usman, a former Minister of Finance and former Senator, was elected alongside other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the convention. Her emergence follows a turbulent period of leadership disputes that were eventually resolved in her favour by the appellate court.
Prior to Monday’s convention, Usman had been serving as the Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee. According to the party, she was first appointed to that role on 4th September 2024 at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Umuahia, following a leadership vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the former leadership.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally recognised Usman as Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee on 30th January 2026, acting on a Federal High Court judgement delivered on 21st January 2026 that affirmed her leadership. That decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgement delivered on 21st April 2026 — just one week before the convention.
In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in her. “I will not let the party down in my new capacity,” she said.
She also singled out the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for praise, commending what she called his exemplary leadership. Usman further pledged to dedicate herself to fostering “unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party ahead of the next general elections.”
The Labour Party is positioning itself as a formidable political platform heading into the 2027 general elections, building on what the party describes as a strong showing in the 2023 elections. Usman’s immediate responsibility, the party stated, is to consolidate that foundation and position the party for electoral success.
Governor Alex Otti, who addressed the convention, charged the newly elected NWC to provide purposeful leadership. He also called on them to strengthen the party’s structures nationwide.
Other members elected into the National Working Committee at Monday’s convention include:
· Rt. 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
A host of other national officers were also elected, according to the party. The newly elected NWC was thereafter sworn in and has assumed office..
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