NEWS
RANCOUR-FREE NATIONAL CONVENTION IN UMUAHIA AS LABOUR PARTY ELECTS SEN. NENADI ESTHER USMAN AS NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, INAUGURATES 34 NEW NATIONAL OFFICERS
…AS GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI CHARGES UNITY, RECONCILIATION AND ELECTORAL READINESS
The Labour Party (LP) has held its National Elective Convention in a defining moment for the party, electing the immediate past National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman as National Chairman, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Hon. Ishmael Onuoha as National Vice Chairman for South-East, alongside 31 other officials into various national offices.
The high-stakes convention, held under the unifying theme “LABOUR PARTY RISING: UNITED FOR VICTORY,” attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including political office holders, government appointees, members of the Abia State Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen, party leaders, and grassroots supporters from across the federation. The atmosphere reflected renewed confidence and a shared commitment to repositioning the party for future electoral contests.
Addressing delegates on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, shortly after the consensus election and formal inauguration of the new National Working Committee at the Ochendu International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, congratulated the newly elected officials on their emergence. He expressed deep satisfaction with the peaceful and rancour-free conduct of the convention, describing it as a strong testament to the growing unity and internal stability within the party.
Governor Otti emphasized the urgent need for reconciliation within party ranks, calling on the new leadership to actively engage aggrieved members and foster inclusiveness.
“The first job that we need to do is what we call a reconciliation, and the integration of as many people as possible.
“Nobody should be left behind and in that spirit, I urge the newly elected National officials of the National Working Committee to go on a reconciliation ride, and bring everybody together.
“So, please call as many of our members as possible. This is a game of numbers.
So, we want as many people as possible.
“And for those that we are going to be reaching out to in the next few days, also find it in your heart to be open,“ Governor Otti stated.
Beyond reconciliation, the Governor charged the new National Working Committee with the responsibility of strengthening the party’s membership base through the ongoing electronic registration process, while also ensuring transparency and fairness in forthcoming party primaries.
“The next job that you have, set up for you is the online electronic registration of members. The portal is still open.
“I’m aware of the challenges of the NIN and as much as possible, let’s also reach out to NIMC and get them to register people so that they can register on the electronic portal.
“Very soon, primaries will be conducted across the constituencies. It is also part of your job to ensure that we have smooth primaries from the State constituencies, all the way through the National Assembly, and of course, governorship and presidential.
“I expect that our primaries will be free and fair. After that, campaigns will set in, and after campaigns, elections.
So, you can see that you have a lot of work to do,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor also extended appreciation to key party organs, including the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, and members of the Interim National Working Committee, acknowledging their dedication and service during a challenging transitional period.
Commending the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials who monitored the proceedings, Governor Otti described the emergence of Senator Nenadi Usman as a strategic and well-deserved choice, citing her track record of transparency and accountability.
“We have worked close to two years, and she’s been so transparent and accountable.
“So, I want to assure you that we didn’t make a mistake. I’m very proud of her. And I know that you are proud of her too,” Gov. Otti stated.
Presenting the annual report of the party, the outgoing Caretaker Committee Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, described the convention as historic, marking the end of one of the most turbulent periods in the party’s history. He noted that the successful conduct of the convention signals a new dawn of unity and organizational strength.
Echoing similar sentiments, goodwill messages delivered by the acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Veteran Comrade (Barr.) Lawson Osagie, and a representative of the Trade Union Congress, Engr. Nuhu Toro, underscored the importance of reconciliation and collective effort in repositioning the party as a formidable political force.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the 2026 National Convention and member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe, commended Governor Otti and the party leadership for fostering unity and cohesion. He stressed that the convention adhered strictly to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, INEC guidelines, and the party’s internal regulations, urging delegates to uphold discipline and responsibility.
In her acceptance speech, the newly elected National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his unwavering support and to party delegates for the confidence reposed in her leadership. She emphasized the need for collective responsibility, noting that effective leadership requires collaboration and unity of purpose.
In a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the newly elected officials, the National Secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma (CHOMEN), praised the Governor’s leadership and appreciated delegates and aspirants for their maturity and commitment. He reiterated that the convention produced no losers, pledging that the new leadership would work as a united team to strengthen the party.
The convention also witnessed the adoption and ratification of key resolutions, including the affirmation of the legitimacy of the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Nenadi Esther Usman.
Additionally, delegates declared null and void the purported 2024 Nnewi Convention organized by the former leadership of the party.
Observed by a team of INEC officials led by Prof. Sani Adams, the convention drew prominent party figures and stakeholders nationwide, further reinforcing its significance as a turning point in the Labour Party’s jour
ney toward unity, stability, and electoral success.