The Labour Party (LP) has elected former Minister of Finance and ex-senator, Nenadi Usman, as its new National Chairman during the party’s national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia.
The development was confirmed in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa.
Usman’s emergence marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first woman to head a political party at the national level in Nigeria.
In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party members for the trust placed in her, pledging to reposition the party for greater achievements. She also promised to promote unity and foster internal reconciliation within the party.
She commended Alex Otti for his leadership and assured members of her dedication to strengthening the party’s structures across the country while delivering on her new mandate.
It will be recalled that Usman was earlier appointed to chair the party’s National Caretaker Committee on September 4, 2024, during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Umuahia, following the expiration of the tenure of the former National Working Committee (NWC).
She was subsequently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s leader after a series of court rulings, including a Federal High Court judgement in January 2026 and a Court of Appeal affirmation in April.
Her election comes as the party intensifies efforts to consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 general elections, building on what it described as a strong performance in the 2023 polls.
Also addressing delegates at the convention, Otti urged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide effective leadership and expand the party’s presence nationwide.
Other officials elected include Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman, and Asogwa as National Publicity Secretary, among others.
The newly elected National Working Committee has since been sworn in and has officially assumed office.