The Interim National Chairperson of the Labour Party Nigeria, Nenadi Usman, has stated that it may soon be too late for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return to its fold ahead of future elections.
Usman made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview, where she addressed ongoing speculation about Obi’s political future and the possibility of his rejoining the party. According to her, the Labour Party is approaching a critical stage in its electoral preparations, which includes the closure of its membership register in compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
She explained that once the party concludes this process and submits its electronic register as required by law, it would no longer be able to accept new members or accommodate late entries, regardless of their political stature.
“It will be too late for Peter Obi to come back to Labour Party because if you look at the Electoral Act, at some point, we will close the register. You cannot come when that is done,” Usman said.
Her comments highlight the procedural constraints political parties face as they prepare for primaries and general elections. Under Nigeria’s electoral framework, parties are required to maintain and submit an updated membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of their primaries. This process is designed to ensure transparency and prevent last-minute manipulations in party membership and candidate selection.
Usman’s statement suggests that the Labour Party is moving swiftly to meet these requirements, signaling that it is already shifting focus toward internal consolidation and preparation for upcoming electoral contests.
Despite her firm stance on the timeline, Usman acknowledged the significant role Obi played in elevating the party’s national profile during the 2023 general elections. She credited him with driving unprecedented momentum and expanding the party’s support base across the country.
“Obi actually took the party to greater heights in 2023. There’s nobody who can match that momentum like he did,” she noted.
Obi’s candidacy under the Labour Party in 2023 marked a turning point for the relatively smaller party, as it gained widespread attention and support, particularly among young voters and urban populations. His campaign was widely seen as a departure from traditional political structures, helping to position the Labour Party as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
However, recent developments have raised questions about Obi’s continued alignment with the party. While there has been no official confirmation of his departure or plans to return, political observers have speculated about possible realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Usman’s comments appear to set a clear boundary, indicating that the party is prioritizing institutional processes over individual considerations. Her position underscores the importance of adherence to electoral guidelines and timelines, even for high-profile figures.
Analysts say the situation reflects broader challenges within Nigeria’s political system, where party loyalty, internal democracy, and strategic alliances often shift as elections approach. For the Labour Party, maintaining order and compliance with electoral laws may be critical to sustaining its credibility after its strong showing in 2023.
At the same time, Obi’s potential absence from the party could have significant implications. Given his influence and popularity, any decision regarding his political future is likely to shape the dynamics of opposition politics in the country.
For now, the Labour Party appears focused on strengthening its internal structures and preparing for the next phase of the electoral cycle. Usman’s remarks suggest that while the party remains appreciative of Obi’s past contributions, it is also determined to move forward within the framework of the law.
As the timeline for primaries and party registrations draws closer, all eyes will be on how political actors navigate these constraints and whether key figures like Obi will find a place within existing party structures or chart new political paths.
