The Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has said that the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may no longer be able to return to the party to contest in the 2027 general elections, citing electoral timelines and internal procedures.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television on Wednesday, Usman explained that the party’s registration process and submission deadlines to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would make it impossible for new entrants to join at this stage.
“At some point we close the register, and once we close the register 21 days before primaries and submit the e-register to INEC, you can’t come from behind the door for us to register you and for you to contest,” she said.
Despite the restriction, Usman acknowledged Obi’s major influence on the Labour Party’s rise during the last general election, noting that his entry into the party significantly boosted its national profile.
“Even me, he convinced me to come with him to the Labour Party… many people in the Labour Party today were convinced by Peter Obi,” she said.
She added that her own defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time was driven by disagreement over zoning decisions and a belief in fairness and equity.
Looking ahead, Usman said the Labour Party is focused on rebuilding around its founding principles of social justice, equal opportunity, and accountability.
She pointed to the administration of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as an example of the party’s ideological direction, describing him as a strong representative of Labour Party values.
“What I want Nigerians to expect henceforth is a new Labour Party that is strictly based on the ideologies the party was built to represent,” she said.
Usman also encouraged politically conscious Nigerians, including activists and professionals, to actively participate in elections rather than remain on the sidelines, stressing that meaningful change can only be achieved through direct political involvement.
