Peter Obi’s loyalists extend Nenadi Usman’s tenure as Labour Party interim chairman

The faction of the Labour Party (LP) aligned with Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has announced the extension of Senator Nenadi Usman’s tenure as interim national chairman.

Also retained in office is Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who will continue serving as the interim national secretary.

The decision was made during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday in Abuja. According to insiders, the move is aimed at ensuring leadership stability as the party navigates its internal restructuring.

The NEC meeting brought together key statutory members, representatives from the Board of Trustees (BoT), and influential stakeholders from both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)—signaling a united front among pro-Obi loyalists.

In a communique issued after the meeting, the NEC approved a comprehensive schedule for conducting party congresses at various levels, culminating in a national convention.

The communique was endorsed by prominent figures including Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, BoT Chairman Chief S.O.Z Ejiofoh, BoT Secretary Salisu Mohammed, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, NLC National Woman Leader Comrade Deborah Yusuf, TUC’s Comrade General Nuhu Toro, Interim Chairman Usman, NLC General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, TUC President Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and Senator Nwokocha.

It stated:“The NEC approved the detailed schedule for the conduct of Ward Congresses, Local Government Area Congresses, State Congresses, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention of the Labour Party. The National Secretariat is mandated to publish the guidelines and timelines to ensure transparent and democratic elections at all levels.”

The council also set up statutory committees tasked with overseeing membership revalidation and the registration of new members.

“The NEC approved the constitution of statutory committees to supervise Membership Revalidation and New Member Registration across the country. These committees shall work with the National Secretariat, State Chairmen. and relevant stakeholders to ensure credibility and inclusiveness. The National Secretariat is mandated to publish the list and membership of the Committees.”

On electoral strategy, the party reviewed its preparation for upcoming contests, including the Anambra governorship race and several legislative by-elections.

“The NEC reviewed the status of the Party’s participation in the forthcoming Anambra Gubernatorial Election and various scheduled by-elections in senatorial districts and federal constituencies across the country. The NEC reaffirmed the commitment of the Party to fielding credible candidates and directed the INWC to conclude necessary preparations with INEC in line with the Electoral Act 2022.”

The NEC reaffirmed its allegiance to the party’s internal mechanisms and its founding principles.

“The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, rule of law, and the supremacy of the Labour Party Constitution. It warned against any parallel structures or activities inconsistent with these resolutions.”

It further called for unity among party members and appealed to election stakeholders for neutrality.

“The NEC urged all stakeholders, members, and supporters of the Labour Party to close ranks, eschew divisive tendencies, and work together in unity to build a strong, people-oriented, and ideologically driven political movement capable of rescuing Nigeria.

“The NEC called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all security agencies to discharge their statutory responsibilities impartially and professionally to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the forthcoming Elections.”