The Labour Party (LP) has postponed its scheduled congresses and national convention while simultaneously zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, in what observers describe as a sweeping internal reorganisation ahead of the next general election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the party confirmed that ward congresses earlier slated for 26 March 2026, local government congresses for March 28, state congresses for 31 March, and the national convention scheduled for 11 April have all been suspended indefinitely, pending a new timetable.
The decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting involving members of the Interim National Working Committee (NWC) and representatives of labour unions, where it was agreed that more time was needed to ensure inclusiveness, credibility, and broader participation in the party’s internal processes.
Party leaders said the postponement will give existing members and new entrants time to complete the ongoing membership re-registration, which is expected to support credible congresses.
As part of efforts to reposition the party, a 45-member Congresses and Convention Committee has been inaugurated to oversee preparations.
The committee is chaired by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, with members including Hon. Obinna Aguocha, Hon. Amaobi Ogah, Hon. Ibe Okwara, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Alozie Munachim Ikechi, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Comrade Salisu N. Mohammed, Comrade Lawson Osagie, and Mrs. Imaobong Ufot, among others.
Speaking at the inauguration, the party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, urged committee members to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness, and commitment.
She stressed the need to utilise the additional time to ensure seamless congresses and a successful convention.
The party also appealed for understanding from its members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and supporters nationwide, assuring that a revised timetable would be announced soon.
The postponement marks a critical adjustment in the party’s internal roadmap as it seeks to strengthen its organisational structure amid a surge in membership.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development, the LP has formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, effectively ruling out aspirants from northern Nigeria.
Usman confirmed that the decision had been firmly settled within the party’s leadership and would guide the selection process ahead of the primaries.
“We have one certain decision that we have taken, and that is that we will certainly not field any aspirant from northern Nigeria.
“We have zoned the position to Southern Nigeria,” she said.
Despite the zoning arrangement, she maintained that the party would uphold democratic principles, noting that its presidential candidate would emerge through a transparent primary process.
“As for who, I can’t tell you now because then it won’t be democratic anymore. Whoever the people like and vote for during the primaries… could be the candidate,” she added.
Usman also reiterated that the party does not recruit or pressure individuals to contest elections under its platform, emphasizing that participation remains voluntary.
On internal disputes, she disclosed that a legal challenge against the dissolution of the party’s National Caretaker Committee had been dismissed by the court for lacking merit, describing the ruling as a validation of the party’s leadership.
She further hinted that the congress timetable might be adjusted to accommodate the growing membership base, warning that sticking rigidly to earlier dates could disenfranchise new members.
Addressing security concerns, Usman revealed that the party had reported an attack on one of its offices to the police and expressed confidence that those responsible would be brought to justice.
She also encouraged members to embrace digital registration, noting that manual processes should be limited to areas with limited access to technology.
The twin decisions, postponing internal elections and zoning the presidential ticket, highlight a period of consolidation and strategic positioning for the Labour Party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
