The Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has said it may be too late for the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return and contest under its platform ahead of the 2027 general election, citing electoral rules and internal party procedures.
Speaking on Prime Time on Arise Television on Wednesday, Usman explained that the party’s registration timeline, in line with electoral regulations, would make any late re-entry difficult.
According to her, the party is required to close its membership register ahead of primary elections and submit its electronic register to the Independent National Electoral Commission within a stipulated period.
“It will be too late for him to come back, because at some point we close the register, and once we do that 21 days before primaries, we submit the e-register to INEC. You cannot come from behind to be registered and then contest,” she said.
Usman, however, acknowledged the role played by Obi in elevating the Labour Party’s national profile during the last general election. She noted that his candidacy attracted a wave of supporters and helped reposition the party within Nigeria’s political landscape.
She added that many current members, including herself, joined the party based on Obi’s message and political direction at the time.
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“Peter Obi convinced many of us to join the Labour Party because we believed in equity and fairness,” she said.
Usman explained that her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party was driven by disagreement with its zoning decision ahead of the last election cycle.
“We believed the presidency should have been zoned to the South. When that did not happen, some of us felt it was not fair, and we made the decision to leave,” she stated.
Looking ahead, the Labour Party chairman said the party would return to its founding principles, with a renewed focus on social justice, equity, and inclusive governance.
She pointed to Abia State Governor Alex Otti as an example of leadership aligned with the party’s core values.
“Governor Alex Otti represents what the Labour Party stands for. He is focused on accountability, fairness, and delivering results,” she said.
Usman also called on Nigerians, particularly young people, activists, and labour leaders, to take a more active role in politics by contesting elections rather than remaining on the sidelines.
“If you believe you have something to offer, come into the system and contest. Change cannot happen from outside,” she added.
The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and early positioning by parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
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