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From Idu Jude, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Sen. Nenadi Usman, said she is worried over the lack of stability in the party, attributing it to a series of court cases orchestrated by Barrister Julius Abure’s leadership tussle.
Usman, remarked while speaking virtually in a forum organised by the Coalition for the Defence of democracy (COFDOD)
“Address you this evening not only as the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, but also as a deeply concerned citizen of Nigeria – one who has lived through our shared history, continues to grapple with our present challenges, and remains hopeful about our collective aspirations for a better future.
“As you are aware, though the Labour Party was formally registered by INEC in 2002, it was in 2023 that the fortunes of our party changed dramatically. With the determination of the Nigerian people, especially our vibrant youths, the Labour Party shook the foundations of the political establishment.
“We secured one governorship seat, 8 senatorial seats, 34 seats in the House of Representatives, and tens of seats in various state Houses of Assembly. That unprecedented performance was a loud testament to the people’s desire for change.
“Although INEC did not declare our presidential candidate victorious, millions of Nigerians did not agree with that outcome.
“We pursued justice up to the Supreme Court, but the apex court, in its wisdom, sustained INEC’s controversial pronouncement. As a law-abiding party, we respected the finality of the judgment, even though we strongly disagreed with it.”
She said the party, having determined to learn from that experience, returned to the drawing board to strengthen the structures of our party.
“Sadly, our internal reorganisation was soon disrupted by an avoidable crisis. A former national chairman, whose tenure had long expired, attempted to force himself back into office.
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“This matter also went up to the Supreme Court, and in a landmark judgment on 4th April 2025, the apex court affirmed that his tenure had indeed lapsed and unequivocally validated my leadership of the party.
Unfortunately she recounted that despite the clarity of that judgment, a few individuals – working in cooperation with external forces – have continued to wage war against the Labour Party.
“Ironically, these outside forces are the same forces that benefited from the Supreme Court’s ruling against our presidential petition, but now openly encourage disobedience to the Court’s judgment on our leadership. Let me be clear: this is not just an attack on the Labour Party; it is part of a broader attempt to destabilise virtually all opposition parties in Nigeria.”
Senator Nenadi stressed that the confusion was further laid to rest on Friday, 15th August 2025, when a Federal High Court in Abuja reaffirmed the expiration of the former chairman’s tenure, aligning with both the earlier Supreme Court judgment and INEC’s affidavit.
“Having provided this background, let me assure you that there is hope. The Labour Party, under my leadership, is actively working to reposition itself as a strong and competitive platform ahead of 2027.”
Ahead of the 2027 elections, she further informed that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party has approved several strategic programs, including a comprehensive membership registration and revalidation drive, with a target of enrolling 10 million new members.
“A series of ward, local government, and state congresses, culminating in a national convention to elect substantive leadership.
It is our firm commitment that these processes will be completed before the end of this year, ensuring that the Labour Party is well-prepared to contest and win in 2027.
“Beyond the leadership tussle, one of the major challenges we faced recently was the wave of defections by some of our elected officials. While intimidation from the ruling party cannot be dismissed, we must also accept some responsibility. The meteoric rise of the Labour Party in 2023 meant that, in many cases, candidates were fielded without thorough background checks. Going forward, this will change.
“Part of our reforms is to ensure that only individuals who genuinely share the philosophy and values of the Labour Party will fly our flag. Our platform will not be a mere stepping stone for opportunists, but a home for patriots committed to service and transformation.
“Yes, we have faced setbacks. But the Labour Party is resilient, and we are already turning the tide. Q: The reforms being implemented, we are poised not only to replicate but to surpass the successes of 2023.”
