Labour Party State Chairmen Demand INEC Sanctions Against Nenadi Usman Over Congress Dispute

The Labour Party (LP) State Chairmen Forum has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction Senator Nenadi Usman and her faction over an attempted move to hold a fresh party congress, describing it as unconstitutional and unlawful.

The call follows a memo reportedly sent by the Caretaker Committee of the party, seeking to schedule new congresses from March 26, 2026. The State Chairmen Forum dismissed the memo, saying it violated the party constitution and Nigerian law.

State Chairmen insist Usman’s move is invalid

Obiora Ifoh, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, explained that the Labour Party constitution empowers only the National Executive Council (NEC) to set dates, times, and rules for congresses. Since state, local government, and ward executives elected in December 2025 still have four-year tenures, any attempt to hold new congresses is invalid.

“It is not only unlawful but also an aberration that a caretaker committee will seek to summarily dismiss duly elected executives and unilaterally appoint another committee in their stead,” the statement read.

Ifoh further argued that Senator Usman, who is not recognized as a party member, has displayed ignorance of the constitution, citing previous correspondences to INEC that attempted to justify her actions.

The Forum also asked INEC to consider appointing a designated officer to oversee the Labour Party’s operations, highlighting the need for compliance with electoral and party laws.

“Nigeria is not a lawless nation. Tenure of elected officers in the Labour Party is sacrosanct, and no provision grants a caretaker committee the power to dissolve elected party structures,” the statement added.

Background of the dispute

INEC had previously refused Usman’s request to hold congresses and warned that the Caretaker Committee could not act on behalf of the party. The dispute reflects ongoing tensions within the Labour Party, which comprises state chairmen elected at congresses on December 6, 2025.

The State Chairmen Forum emphasized that the party remains committed to lawful governance and preparing for the 2027 general elections without interference from illegitimate actors.