2027: It’s too late for Peter Obi to return to Labour Party — Nenadi Usman

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 election.

Speaking during an interview on Prime Time on Wednesday, Usman cited electoral guidelines and internal party procedures as key constraints.

According to her, once the party closes its membership register and submits the electronic register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 21 days before primaries, no new entrant can be registered to contest.

“You can’t come from behind the door for us to register you and for you to contest,” she said.

Usman, however, acknowledged Obi’s pivotal role in elevating the party’s national profile during the last general election, noting that no current member commands similar political momentum.

She revealed that Obi influenced her decision—and that of many others—to join the Labour Party, citing a shared belief in equity and fairness.

Usman explained that her exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was driven by dissatisfaction with its zoning arrangement at the time, which she felt was unjust.

On the party’s future direction, she said the Labour Party would refocus on its founding ideals of social justice and equal opportunity, highlighting Alex Otti as a model.

“He is what I would call the ambassador of the Labour Party. He’s the only governor we have, and he’s doing very well,” she said.

Usman also urged Nigerians—particularly activists and unionists—to participate actively in politics.

“If you think you have something to offer Nigeria, come and contest elections, because you cannot change the system from outside,” she added.