Usman-Led Labour Party Sets New Dates For National Convention, Congresses Amid Deepening Crisis
Usman-Led Labour Party Sets New Dates For National Convention, Congresses Amid Deepening Crisis
In a formal notification letter addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dated March 31, for which acknowledgement was released on Friday, the party’s caretaker leadership detailed a rapid-fire schedule of activities set to take place in late April.
The Senator Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party has announced new dates for its elective congresses and National Convention for 2026, signalling a major move to consolidate power within the embattled political organisation.
In a formal notification letter addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dated March 31, for which acknowledgement was released on Friday, the party’s caretaker leadership detailed a rapid-fire schedule of activities set to take place in late April.
According to the document signed by the Caretaker National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, and Caretaker National Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the schedule is as follows: Ward Congress: April 23, 2026 – To elect Ward Executive Officers at designated ward offices nationwide.
“Local Government (LG) Congress: April 24, 2026 – To elect LGA Executive Officers at the 774 Local Government headquarters.
“State Congress: April 25, 2026 – To elect State Executive Officers across the 36 states and the FCT. National Convention: April 28, 2026 – To elect the National Executive at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, Abia State.”
The party explained that the previous postponement of these activities was necessary to allow for “broader participation of members” and the completion of an ongoing digital membership registration process.
The notification cited Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate political parties to inform the electoral umpire of their congresses and conventions.
The announcement comes amid a deep-seated leadership crisis within the Labour Party, which has seen various groups claiming control of the party’s structures.
By submitting this formal schedule to INEC, the Usman-led caretaker committee is seeking to formalise its authority and move the party toward a definitive leadership transition.
The leadership has invited INEC to monitor the proceedings across all levels to ensure “effective and seamless monitoring” in line with constitutional mandates.
While the “Abia State” venue for the National Convention highlights the strategic importance of the region to the party, it remains to be seen how rival factions will react to this latest move to finalise the party’s 2026 elective cycle.
