The Labour Party (LP) has ratified former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, as its Interim National Chairman, while also dismissing speculation that it is planning to join a political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The meeting, convened by statutory NEC members, according to the party, followed the April 4, 2025, Supreme Court judgment, which it said affirmed the expiration of Barr. Julius Abure’s tenure and validated Usman’s position as caretaker leader.
The high-level meeting was attended by prominent party stakeholders, including the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and several other key figures within the party.
Others in attendance include the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the Chairman of the BoT, Chief Sylvester Ejiofor, who sent a representative.
According to a communique read after the meeting, Usman will lead the party alongside Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the immediate-past Senate Minority Deputy Leader, who was also ratified as Interim National Secretary, pending the conduct of congresses and a national convention to elect substantive officers.
The communiqué was jointly signed by prominent leaders and stakeholders of the Labour Party, including Otti and his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu. Also endorsing the resolutions were Chief S.O.Z. Ejiofor, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), alongside Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, Secretary of the BoT.
From the organised labour front, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, appended his signature, alongside Comrade Deborah Yusuf, the NLC National Woman Leader; Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja (mni), the NLC General Secretary; Comrade General N.A. Toro Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC); and Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, President of the TUC.
The communiqué was further endorsed by the newly ratified party leadership, with Senator Nenadi Usman, Interim National Chairman, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Interim National Secretary, signing on behalf of the Interim National Working Committee (INWC).
Recall that in September 2024, the Labour Party, at the end of the Party’s NEC/Extended Stakeholders meeting held at Government House, Umuahia, composed a 29-man caretaker committee chaired by Usman.
The committee was meant to serve for six months.
Speaking at the NEC meeting on Friday, Otti, who addressed stakeholders at the session, said the interim leadership was necessary to lay a proper foundation for rebuilding the party.
Otti said there is a need to reset the party for stability and growth after months of legal battles and internal strife.
He called on the two factional leaders of the Labour Party, Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa, along with other disgruntled members, to tender a formal apology as a condition for their reintegration into the party.
He said, “We are calling on aggrieved members of LP, including Julius Abure, to reconcile with the party. We are not interested in expelling anybody.
“All we are asking them to do is to write a letter of apology so that the interim leaders of the party can recall them for us to work with them.”
Addressing reports that LP was in talks to merge or align with other parties, the NEC clarified that it remains focused on consolidating its structures nationwide and is not part of any coalition discussions.
The communique added: “The NEC unanimously ratified and inaugurated the Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Labour Party under the leadership of Senator Nenadi E. Usman as the Interim National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as the Interim National Secretary among other persons.
“The NEC approved the detailed schedule for the conduct of Ward Congresses, Local Government Area Congresses, State Congresses, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention of the Labour Party. The National Secretariat is mandated to publish the guidelines and timelines to ensure transparent and democratic elections at all levels.
“The NEC approved the constitution of statutory committees to supervise Membership Revalidation and New Member Registration across the country. These committees shall work with the National Secretariat, State Chairmen. and relevant stakeholders to ensure credibility and inclusiveness. The National Secretariat is mandated to publish the list and membership of the Committees.
“The NEC reviewed the status of the Party’s participation in the forthcoming Anambra Gubernatorial Election and various scheduled by-elections in senatorial districts and federal constituencies across the country. The NEC reaffirmed the commitment of the Party to fielding credible candidates and directed the INWC to conclude necessary preparations with INEC in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
(Guardian)
