The interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has stated that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not be able to rejoin or contest the 2027 general election under the party’s platform, citing electoral regulations governing membership closure ahead of primaries.
Usman made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, explaining that the party’s membership register would be closed 21 days before its primaries and subsequently submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making late entries legally impossible.
She said once the register is closed and transmitted to INEC, no new member can be added for the purpose of contesting elections, stressing that compliance with the Electoral Act leaves no room for exceptions.
According to her, although Obi played a key role in the Labour Party’s strong showing in the 2023 elections, the party must now adhere strictly to its internal rules and electoral timelines.
Usman also revealed that she herself was persuaded by Obi to join the Labour Party ahead of the last general election, alongside several other members who defected from other political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
She explained that their decision at the time was driven by concerns over fairness in zoning arrangements, arguing that the PDP’s handling of its presidential ticket did not reflect equity between North and South.
The Labour Party has, however, been deeply affected by internal leadership disputes since its 2023 electoral breakthrough. The crisis has involved competing claims to the national chairmanship between Usman’s caretaker committee and the faction led by former chairman Julius Abure.
Legal battles over the party’s leadership have moved through multiple courts, with recent rulings recognising Usman’s faction as the legitimate leadership pending a national convention. Despite this, Abure has signalled plans to appeal up to the Supreme Court.
The ongoing crisis has contributed to defections, weakened grassroots structures, and reduced legislative representation for the party.
Usman noted that the party has begun membership revalidation and has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, signalling a new direction as it prepares for the next election cycle.
