The Labour Party has elected Senator Nenadi Esther Usman as its substantive National Chairman at a consensus-driven national convention held in Umuahia, Abia State, bringing formal leadership stability to a party that had operated under caretaker arrangements while navigating significant internal tensions since the 2023 general election.
Usman, who had led the caretaker committee, headed a 34-member National Working Committee that emerged through consensus at the party’s 2026 elective National Convention, ending a period of uncertainty over internal governance and marking the beginning of formal preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Acho Obioma was elected substantive National Secretary, a former House of Representatives member for Ikwuano and Umuahia Federal Constituency who had been serving as Special Adviser to Abia Governor Alex Otti on Political Affairs. Veteran actress Hilda Dokubo was elected National Women Leader.
Other members of the new National Working Committee include Salisu Mohammed as Deputy National Chairman for the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman for women, Quadri Olaleye for the Trade Union Congress, Hamisu Santuraki as National Treasurer, Anselem Eragbe as National Financial Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa as National Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Oluchi Opara as National Organising Secretary, Taiwo Mary Ajayi as National Legal Adviser, Sule Garba as National Auditor, and Collins Chimaobi Opara as National Youth Leader.
Governor Otti, who attended the convention and commended its organisers for a credible process, described Usman as a woman of integrity and charged the new leadership to prioritise reconciliation and integration of all party members as an urgent first task. “Reconciliation and integration of all members of the party is another task before you; ensure that nobody is left behind,” he said.
Usman pledged to justify the trust placed in her, specifically acknowledging the significance of being entrusted with a leadership role often regarded as reserved for men in Nigerian politics. “For you to trust me to take over this job, I will not let you down,” she said.
