From Peter Okore, Umuahia
Reconciliation, unity and organisational rebuilding took centre stage as the Labour Party Nigeria wrapped up its 2026 National Elective Convention in Umuahia, Abia State, with party leaders setting an agenda aimed at healing internal divisions and strengthening structures ahead of future elections.
At the convention, Nenadi Esther Usman was elected as substantive national chairman. Alongside Usman, the convention produced Iheanacho Obioma as national secretary and Hilda Dokubo as national women leader, among other key officials.
Addressing delegates at the International Conference Centre on April 28, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the rancour-free convention as a signal that the party was gradually overcoming its internal crises.
He urged the newly inaugurated National Working Committee (NWC) to make reconciliation its immediate priority, calling for the reintegration of aggrieved members across all levels.
“The first task before the new leadership is reconciliation. Nobody should be left behind. Bring everyone back into the fold,” Otti said.
He also emphasised the need for seamless electronic membership registration and credible primaries, noting that the party must prepare early for the rigours of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the composition of the new leadership reflects the party’s national spread, cutting across all geopolitical zones, an indication of its growing national outlook.
The governor stressed that politics remains a “game of numbers,” adding that rebuilding trust and giving members a sense of belonging would be critical to resolving lingering disputes and boosting the party’s electoral prospects.
Presenting a report on the party’s progress, outgoing Caretaker Committee Secretary, Chief Darlington Nwokocha, said the convention marked the end of one of the most turbulent periods in the party’s history.
He pointed to a series of judicial victories, including rulings by the Supreme Court in April 2025 and subsequent decisions by lower courts in 2026, which he said restored legality and institutional stability to the party.
Dr. Alex Otti, Abia State governor at the convention
In separate goodwill messages, labour leaders and party stakeholders reiterated the need for unity. Acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Lawson Osagie, and Trade Union Congress representative, Engr. Nuhu Toro, both called for consolidation of gains made so far.
Similarly, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, represented by Stephen Okoro, described the convention as a turning point, urging members to focus on mobilisation, organisation and voter education.
Earlier, Chairman of the Convention Committee, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, said the exercise was conducted in line with constitutional provisions and electoral guidelines, underscoring its credibility.
In her remarks, the party’s National Chairman, Senator Usman, pledged inclusive leadership, stressing that rebuilding the party would require collective effort.
The convention also ratified key decisions, including the legitimacy of the caretaker leadership and the nullification of the disputed 2024 Nnewi convention, moves seen by stakeholders as part of efforts to stabilise the party and reposition it for future contests.