The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party, on Friday, July 18, 2025, ratified the leadership of Senator Nenadi Esther Usman as Interim National Chairman and approved a full schedule of congresses and a national convention, setting in motion a new chapter in the party’s post-crisis reconstruction.
The high-level meeting, held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, was convened by statutory NEC members in accordance with the party’s constitution and in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, which declared the tenure of the former National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, expired.
In a strongly worded communiqué issued after the meeting, the NEC reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Interim National Working Committee (INWC) and emphasized its commitment to internal democracy, party discipline, and a transparent leadership transition. The committee, chaired by Senator Usman with Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Interim Secretary, was inaugurated to steer the party through its next electoral milestones.
The NEC approved a timeline for ward, LGA, state, zonal, and national congresses, with instructions to the National Secretariat to release detailed guidelines ensuring fairness and inclusiveness. It also constituted statutory committees for membership revalidation and registration, signalling a nationwide effort to rebuild grassroots support.
The meeting addressed the party’s readiness for the upcoming Anambra governorship election and other by-elections, with a directive to field only credible candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022.
In a reconciliatory gesture, the NEC urged all members and stakeholders to unite behind the party’s reformation process, warning against parallel structures or actions contrary to the Labour Party Constitution. It also called on INEC and security agencies to guarantee free and fair elections in the coming months.
The communiqué was jointly signed by leading Labour Party stakeholders, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, BOT Chair Chief S.O.Z Ejiofoh, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo, and other senior officials of the labour movement and interim party leadership.
The developments mark a decisive turn in the Labour Party’s effort to consolidate internal legitimacy and present a unified front ahead of major electoral contests.