The Labour Party has officially ratified former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, as its Interim National Chairman, while also making it clear that the party is not in any coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision came during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held Friday, July 18, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
According to party leaders, the meeting was convened by statutory NEC members in response to the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, judgment, which affirmed that Julius Abure’s tenure had ended and recognised Usman’s caretaker leadership.
High-ranking party stakeholders, including Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti and his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, were present.
Also in attendance were Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Comrade Joe Ajaero and representatives of the Board of Trustees, including its Chairman, Chief Sylvester Ejiofor.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, Usman was confirmed to lead the party alongside Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who was ratified as Interim National Secretary.
Their leadership is expected to remain in place until congresses and a national convention are held to elect substantive officers.
The communiqué was jointly signed by top Labour Party figures including Otti, Emetu, Chief Ejiofor, BoT Secretary Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, and labour leaders such as Comrade Joe Ajaero, Comrade Deborah Yusuf, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, Comrade General N.A. Toro, and Comrade Festus Osifo.
Also endorsing the resolutions were the newly ratified leaders themselves, Usman and Nwokocha, on behalf of the Interim National Working Committee (INWC).
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The NEC also reaffirmed its earlier decision made in September 2024 at an expanded stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, which created a 29-member caretaker committee led by Usman for an initial six-month period.
The NEC also used the opportunity to dismiss speculation about any planned merger or coalition with other parties. It stated that the Labour Party remains focused on consolidating its internal structure and growth.
According to the communiqué, the NEC unanimously ratified and inaugurated the INWC and approved a comprehensive schedule for Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and a National Convention. The National Secretariat was directed to release guidelines and timelines to ensure transparent internal elections.
Statutory committees will also be set up to supervise membership revalidation and new registrations across the country.
These committees, working alongside state chairmen and other stakeholders, are expected to ensure credibility and inclusion.
On upcoming elections, the NEC confirmed the party’s participation in the Anambra governorship election and several scheduled by-elections.
It tasked the interim leadership with finalising preparations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in line with the 2022 Electoral Act.