In a message of appreciation to members and leaders of the party after Wednesday’s NEC meeting in Abuja, Usman assured that a new Labour Party would come out of the crisis which had now been settled by the Supreme Court.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) marked a significant moment in the life of our great party, the Labour Party, as the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Stakeholders’ Interactive Town hall convened in Abuja.

“It was a gathering filled with purpose and clarity, and I was truly honoured to be present among eminent leaders and committed stakeholders — including my dear elder brother and grand leader, H.E Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed,” she said.

Usman also acknowledged other leaders of the party in attendance, including the leader of NEC, Gov. Alex Otti, the Deputy Governor of Abia, Ikechukwu Emetu, LP members of the National and State Assembly members as well as representatives of NLC and TUC, leaders of Obidient Movement and other patriotic Nigerians.

She described the meeting as both timely and necessary, as the stakeholders worked collectively to fortify the foundations of the party, build unity and refocus on its enduring mission — building a New Nigeria that works for all.

Usman, a former Minister of Finance, said she was humbled by the resolution passed at the NEC meeting, appointing her as the acting national chairperson to lead the party during the period of transition.

She also said that a formal visit was paid to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the party’s leadership transition was presented and the outcome of NEC proceedings communicated.

“This is more than a procedural step — it is a demonstration of our collective commitment to due process, internal democracy and the transparent governance that the Nigerian people rightfully expect from us.

“I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Labour Party, the leadership of the NLC and TUC, the Obidient Movement and every Nigerian who continue to believe in this movement.

“To our leader and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, your steadfastness and integrity continue to inspire millions.

“I reaffirm my commitment to the values and vision that define the Labour Party — a party of the people, for the people.

“Now is not the time for distraction or division. Now is the time to build, with unity, courage and a deep love for our country,” she said.

Usman said together, she and other stakeholders would continue the journey of hope, while pledging to serve with diligence, openness and unwavering focus on shared goals.

NAN

Obi, who was speaking at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja on Wednesday, decried the level of poverty and hardship Nigerians are facing.

He said that things have gotten bad, and it is time to stand together for the right things, starting from the Labour Party.

“We must speak when things are wrong, Nigeria is collapsing, the numbers are clear, the indices are clear, more and more people are poorer. People who used to feed well are now begging, even in this hotel. Any time I enter this hotel, I see people telling me, ‘Oga, I came to Abuja, I can’t go back’.

“Where I used to go that people ask me, ‘Oga will you eat? Will you drink?’ Nobody is asking me anything again. That shows you how bad it is. So, let us know that things are difficult, things are bad. Let us stand together and ensure that the right things, starting from our party, are done,” Obi said.

The Labour Party held its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and was chaired by former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman.

The meeting follows the controversy over the recent Supreme Court judgement on the national chairmanship position for the Labour Party.

In attendance were the 2023 LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

Senators and members of the House of Representatives who are members of the party were also present.

After the meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, leaders of the opposition party marched to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Led by Peter Obi, and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the members were received by INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun.

They asked the electoral body to recognise Nenadi Usman as the LP chairman, days after the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja recognising Abure as the National Chairman of the LP.

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In a letter to the Chairman of PDP, Arogbo 1 Ward, Ese-Odo Local Government, Peretei blamed the leadership’s indifference toward winning elections.

He wrote: “I’ve decided to quit the PDP, as its supposed leaders have no real intention of winning any elections, now or in the future.

“It’s difficult working with individuals focused solely on personal gain, using the party as a political marketplace every election cycle.”

Peretei noted he had served as the State Financial Secretary (1999–2003) and State Publicity Secretary from 2020 till date.

“I’ve contributed significantly, yet the same people have gripped the party tightly, causing repeated electoral failures over three cycles,” he stated.

He likened the party’s current state to one in an intensive care unit, now heading toward the morgue.

He criticised those using the PDP as a financial lifeline, urging them to find alternative means of livelihood.

“To those surviving on election funds and patronage, I advise finding second addresses to live more meaningful lives, not as political bandits or ‘Yes’ men,” he said