2027 Elections: Only Labour Party Under My Leadership Will Appear on Ballot – Nenadi Usman

The Interim National Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP), Nenadi Usman, has stated that only the faction of the party under her leadership will be officially listed on the ballot for the 2027 general elections.

She made this declaration on Monday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise Television. According to Usman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises her as the legitimate national chairperson of the Labour Party, stressing that no other individual currently holds that recognition.

Usman explained that this recognition carries significant implications for the party’s internal processes. She noted that only the leadership she heads is authorised to formally communicate with INEC regarding party activities, including the conduct of primary elections and congresses. She emphasised that any other faction, including the group led by Julius Abure, lacks the legal standing to invite INEC to observe or supervise party primaries.

She further clarified that INEC’s position eliminates any uncertainty about the party’s leadership structure. According to her, the commission’s acknowledgment means that only one Labour Party can lawfully participate in the 2027 elections, and that party is the one operating under her interim leadership.

Explaining the situation further, Usman said that INEC’s recognition confirms which faction represents the authentic Labour Party. She stressed that this clarity removes confusion over who has the authority to lead the party and oversee its electoral activities.

The former lawmaker also used the interview to call for a shift in priorities among party members and stakeholders. She urged them to focus first on the interests of Nigeria, and secondly on the stability and unity of the Labour Party. According to her, genuine commitment to the nation and the party requires restraint and respect for institutional processes.

Usman noted that her leadership has not engaged in attacks or internal hostility. She maintained that when a party official’s tenure expires, the appropriate response is for the party’s institutional organs to act, rather than allowing individuals to cling to positions.

She explained that members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), along with other institutional stakeholders, convened with the party’s most senior political office holder, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. She described Governor Otti as the highest-ranking elected official within the Labour Party, making him a key figure in guiding internal resolutions.

According to Usman, the NEC and other stakeholders met to address the leadership vacuum after INEC indicated that the party no longer had a recognised leadership structure. She said the group collectively agreed that a temporary leadership team was necessary to organise congresses across all levels of the party.

She outlined that the proposed process involved conducting congresses beginning from the ward level, progressing through local government and state levels, and ultimately leading to a national convention. This, she said, was intended to restore full internal order and compliance with electoral regulations.

Usman stated that despite these efforts, some individuals refused to participate in the process. She maintained, however, that she has chosen a peaceful approach, insisting that her role was not driven by conflict or personal rivalry.

Describing her disposition, Usman said she is not inclined toward confrontation or aggressive tactics. She stressed that her actions were guided by the need to stabilise the party and ensure its readiness for future elections, rather than by any desire to engage in internal battles.