The Labour Party(LP) has fixed April 23 for the commencement of its long-delayed ward, local government and state congresses, with its national convention scheduled for April 28 in Umuahia, in what party leaders describe as a decisive push to rebuild unity and reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made by the party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, during a television appearance on Wednesday, where she underscored the party’s renewed commitment to inclusiveness and internal democracy after months of internal disputes.
“We had to postpone it for about 20-something days. We are starting on the 23rd of April… and our national convention is expected to be on the 28th of April in Umuahia by the grace of God,” she said.
The choice of Umuahia is seen as both symbolic and strategic, given that it is the home base of the party’s only serving governor, Alex Otti. Party leaders say the decision reflects an effort to consolidate support in one of its strongest political strongholds.
“We have only one governor, he is doing well, so we want to have it in his city where we will celebrate with him as well,” Usman added.
The revised timetable follows an earlier postponement of the congresses, a move the party says was necessary to allow broader participation and address internal grievances. According to Usman, the delay forms part of a wider reconciliation effort aimed at healing divisions and strengthening cohesion within the party.
“Our strength is in coming back together, making peace among ourselves. We are extending the olive branch… let’s work together and build our party.”
The development comes amid a challenging period for the party, marked by high-profile defections—including that of former presidential candidate Peter Obi—and lingering legal disputes that have tested its organisational stability.
Despite these setbacks, the party leadership maintains that it is undergoing a phase of internal consolidation rather than decline.
“The party is not weak… externally we may look weak, but internally we are getting stronger,” Usman insisted.
The upcoming convention is expected to be a turning point, with delegates set to reshape the party’s leadership structure and lay the groundwork for future electoral contests. It will also provide clarity on the party’s nomination process, with Usman confirming that presidential primaries will be conducted through a direct voting system.
“It’s going to be direct primaries. Whoever the people choose will get the ticket.”
As preparations gather pace, the party has ruled out any immediate plans for coalition talks, choosing instead to focus on internal reforms and organisational stability.
“We are not negotiating any coalition with anyone at the moment,” she said.
Political observers view the Umuahia convention as a critical test of the party’s ability to overcome internal fractures and present a united front ahead of 2027. For the Labour Party, the stakes are high—not just to reorganise its structures, but to reassert its relevance in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
With just weeks to the congresses and convention, attention is now firmly on Umuahia, where the party hopes to signal a fresh start—one anchored on unity, discipline, and renewed political momentum.
LP Fixes April 23 Congresses, April 28 Convention in Umuahia
