Nenadi Usman Makes History As Labour Party’s First Female National Chairman At Umuahia Convention
Senator Nenadi Esther Usman has emerged as the new National Chairman of the Labour Party, following her election at the party’s National Elective Convention held in Umuahia.Her emergence marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first woman to lead a major political party in Nigeria.
Prior to her election, Senator Usman served as Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, which was recently affirmed as the legitimate leadership by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgment delivered on April 21, 2026.
In her acceptance speech, Senator Usman expressed deep appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to reposition the party for greater electoral success. She emphasized her commitment to unity, peace, and reconciliation, particularly as the party prepares for upcoming general elections.
She also commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for his leadership and unrelenting support, assuring stakeholders that she would not disappoint in her new role.
Speaking at the convention, Governor Otti congratulated the newly elected National Working Committee, describing the peaceful and consensus-driven process as a reflection of growing unity within the party.
He urged the leadership to embark on reconciliation efforts to reintegrate aggrieved members and strengthen the party’s grassroots structures nationwide.
“The first task before you is reconciliation and integration. Nobody should be left behind,” the Governor stated, while also charging the leadership to ensure seamless electronic membership registration and conduct free, fair, and credible primaries ahead of the elections.
Other members elected into the National Working Committee include Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Mrs. Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman, Ken Eluma Asogwa as National Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah as National Organising Secretary, Comrade Anslem Eragbe as National Financial Secretary, and Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader, among others.
The newly elected officials were subsequently sworn in and have assumed office.
Presenting the annual report, Senator Darlington Nwokocha described the convention as historic, noting that it signals the end of a turbulent phase in the party’s history. He urged members to consolidate on the renewed unity and build strong structures from the grassroots to the national level.
Goodwill messages from party stakeholders, including Board of Trustees representatives and labour leaders, echoed calls for reconciliation and collective commitment to rebuilding the party.
The convention, themed “Labour Party, Rising for Victory,” also ratified key decisions of the caretaker committee and nullified the disputed 2024 Nnewi Convention.
It was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and attended by prominent party figures from across the country.
With this development, the Labour Party signals a new chapter of consolidation, inclusiveness, and strategic repositioning under Senator Usman’s leadership.
