Nenadi Usman Makes History as Labour Party Elects First Female National Chairman, Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader 

The Labour Party has elected Senator Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman at the party’s national convention held in Umuahia, Abia State, making her the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria.

Usman emerged alongside other members of the National Working Committee during the convention, with Ken Eluma Asogwa elected as National Publicity Secretary and actress Hilda Dokubo emerging as National Women Leader.

Before her election, Usman had served as Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee after she was appointed on September 4, 2024, during a NEC meeting in Umuahia following the expiration of the tenure of the former leadership. She led the party through a period of internal crisis and leadership disputes, which were later resolved in her favour by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Her leadership was formally recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on January 30, 2026, following a Federal High Court judgment delivered on January 21, 2026, and subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgment on April 21, 2026.

In her acceptance speech, the former Minister of Finance and Senator thanked party members for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to reposition the party for greater success ahead of the 2027 general elections. She also promised to promote unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party and commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for what she described as exemplary leadership.

Governor Otti, in his remarks, urged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and strengthen the party’s structures across the country as preparations begin for the next general elections.

Other elected officials include Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Mrs. Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah as National Organising Secretary, Comrade Anslem Eragbe as National Financial Secretary, alongside several other national officers who were sworn in immediately after the convention.