By Myke Uzendu
Following a recent High Court judgment that affirmed Sen. Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman, Labour Party has announced plans to commence its nationwide congresses in March 2026, alongside a comprehensive revalidation of its membership and the registration of new members across the country.
The decision was taken at a joint meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Interim National Committee held in Abuja on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Mr Ukoha Ukoha, said the meeting approved a timetable for congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, culminating in a national convention.
“The meeting resolved to set up a timetable for the Labour Party congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, culminating in a National Convention. The congresses are scheduled to begin in March 2026,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the party also resolved to commence a nationwide revalidation of its membership and the registration of new members, with a committee constituted to oversee the exercise. In addition, a reconciliation committee is to be established to engage aggrieved members who are willing to return to the party.
The NEC and Interim National Committee further called on the former National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, and his team to “sheath their swords” and return to the party, while urging Nigerians interested in progressive politics to join the Labour Party.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Governor Otti expressed appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising the Interim National Committee and uploading the names of the party’s leadership on its website in compliance with court orders.
The statement also disclosed that the party leadership expressed regret over the exit of its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi. While wishing Obi well in his future political endeavours, the party urged members to close ranks and work towards rebuilding a stronger and more cohesive political platform.
“The NEC acknowledged that the party has lost some members, particularly those elected under its platform into the National Assembly, as well as some caretaker committee officers who have since been replaced. However, it maintained that the party remains strong,” the statement said.
The meeting also noted that the Labour Party would be unable to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
Governor Otti, according to the statement, thanked party supporters nationwide for their loyalty and resilience, assuring them that ongoing reforms and reconciliation efforts would reposition the Labour Party as a more united and formidable political force in the country.
