RismadarVoice Reporters, April 29, 2026
The Labour Party has concluded its National Elective Convention, reaffirming Nenadi Esther Usman as its National Chairman alongside the election of Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary and 32 other officials into key national positions.
The convention, held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Abia State, was marked by a consensus-based process widely described by party leaders as peaceful and unifying.
Addressing delegates after the inauguration of the new National Working Committee (NWC), Abia State Governor Alex Otti commended the rancour-free exercise, describing it as evidence of growing cohesion within the party. He urged the newly elected leadership to prioritise reconciliation and inclusiveness.
“The first task before the new leadership is reconciliation and integration. Nobody should be left behind,” Otti said, calling on aggrieved members to embrace dialogue and unity.
The governor also charged the NWC to intensify efforts on the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration and ensure transparent primaries ahead of the upcoming elections. He acknowledged existing challenges with the National Identification Number (NIN) system and encouraged collaboration with relevant authorities to ease registration processes.
Otti further expressed confidence in Usman’s leadership, describing her as “a square peg in a square hole,” and praised her track record of transparency and accountability during her tenure as head of the caretaker committee.
In his presentation, outgoing Caretaker Committee Secretary Darlington Nwokocha described the convention as historic, noting that it marked the end of a turbulent phase in the party’s evolution. He urged members to strengthen party structures across all levels.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders, including acting Board of Trustees Chairman Lawson Osagie and a representative of the Trade Union Congress, echoed calls for unity and consolidation.
Earlier, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee Ginger Onwusibe stated that the exercise complied fully with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines, and the party’s internal rules.
In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party leadership and delegates, pledging inclusive governance and collective decision-making. “Leadership is not a one-person responsibility. I will rely on your support to move the party forward,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of other elected officials, Obioma emphasised unity, noting that the convention produced no losers and reaffirming commitment to teamwork.
The convention also ratified key decisions of the caretaker committee, including affirming its legitimacy and nullifying the controversial 2024 Nnewi convention conducted by a former faction of the party.
The event was observed by INEC officials led by Sani Adams and attended by party stakeholders from across the country.
