Politics
Labour Party Elects Nenadi Usman Chairman as Datti Baba-Ahmed Dumps Party for PRP
“What Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today. I’m leaving Labour Party at midnight tonight and I’m joining PRP (People’s Redemption Party). PRP is the new destination. – Datti Baba-Ahmed, Vice-Presidential candidate, Labour Party 2023, speaking on defection to the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).“
Labour Party Elects Nenadi Usman as National Chairman at Abia Convention
Labour Party Nigeria has elected Nenadi Usman as its substantive National Chairman at its ongoing national convention in Abia State, marking a decisive end to months of internal leadership disputes.
The convention also produced a new National Working Committee (NWC), with Iheanacho Obioma emerging as National Secretary. Other key officials elected include 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 actress-turned-politician Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader.
Leadership Crisis Resolved
Usman’s emergence follows a prolonged leadership tussle within the party after the expiration of the previous executive’s tenure. She had earlier been appointed to head the party’s National Caretaker Committee on September 4, 2024, at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Umuahia.
Her leadership was later affirmed through a series of legal victories, including a Federal High Court judgement in January 2026 and a unanimous ruling by the Court of Appeal on April 21, 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission had also recognised her as chairman of the caretaker committee prior to the convention.
Experience and 2027 Focus
A former Minister of Finance and senator, Usman brings significant political and administrative experience to the role. Party stakeholders say her immediate task will be to consolidate the party’s gains from the 2023 general elections and position it as a stronger contender ahead of 2027.
In her acceptance speech, Usman thanked party members for their confidence and pledged to unify the party.
“We will rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the Labour Party for greater success,” she said, emphasizing unity and internal peace.
She also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his leadership and support in hosting the convention.
Governor Otti, in his remarks, urged the newly elected leadership to strengthen party structures nationwide and provide purposeful direction.
The newly elected NWC was subsequently sworn in and has officially assumed office.
Datti Baba-Ahmed Dumps Labour Party for PRP
In a significant political development, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has announced his decision to leave the party.
Speaking on a television programme, Baba-Ahmed cited internal disagreements and alleged that the party had deviated from its founding ideals.
“I am leaving the Labour Party at midnight, and I am joining the PRP,” he stated.
He is set to join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), one of Nigeria’s oldest political movements, founded in 1978 by the late Aminu Kano.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning against the risk of Nigeria drifting toward a one-party state.
He called for credible candidates to emerge ahead of the 2027 elections and dismissed the possibility of a single opposition presidential candidate, instead suggesting broader alliances across parties.
Political Implications
The twin developments the emergence of a new Labour Party leadership and the defection of a key figure signal a critical transition period for the party as Nigeria gradually builds toward the 2027 general elections.
Analysts say the success of Usman’s leadership will depend on her ability to stabilise internal structures, manage dissent, and maintain the momentum that made the party a major force in the 2023 elections.
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