Abuja — The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has rejected the appointment of former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman as interim Chair of the party for a 90-day period.
This decision was made during an expanded meeting of stakeholders, called by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Abure, through the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, called the appointment unlawful and invalid, arguing that the decisions from a legitimate national convention held earlier in Nnewi are still in effect.
Obi’s spokesperson, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, however, defended the move, explaining that the appointment aims to resolve internal conflicts stemming from the controversial Nnewi convention. The goal is to strengthen the Labour Party, with Usman tasked with organizing congresses and a national convention within 90 days. Usman will work alongside a 29-member transition committee, assisted by Senator Darlington Nwokocha.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Obi’s running mate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, and Labour Party legislators and candidates from the 2023 elections.
In her speech, Senator Usman pledged to promote unity and growth within the party. The move was praised by Labour Party members nationwide, coming shortly after a National Coordinator was appointed for the Obidient Movement, which supports Peter Obi’s political aspirations.
