Labour Party Unshaken by Defections – Nenadi Usman Declares

Amid recent waves of defections rocking Nigeria’s political landscape, the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Nenadi Usman, has dismissed concerns over the stability and direction of the party.

She described the defection of some members to rival parties—particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—as both unfortunate and revealing.

Speaking to journalists in Kaduna State on Saturday, Usman urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in the Labour Party, which she said continues to stand as a beacon of hope for a nation weary of hardship and misgovernance.

She emphasized that the LP remains strong, focused, and unwavering in its mission to offer a credible, people-centered alternative to what she labeled a “rudderless and visionless” administration under the APC.

Reacting specifically to the growing number of political defections, Senator Usman expressed deep disappointment, describing such acts as “morally indefensible” and, in some cases, “legally questionable.” She criticized politicians who win elections under the LP’s banner only to abandon the party for self-serving reasons, stating:

“It is disheartening to see people jump ship after securing victory on one party’s platform, only to defect for selfish gain. These actions erode the values of democracy and betray the trust of the electorate.”



Despite these political realignments, Usman insisted that the Labour Party remains resilient and unshaken. According to her, many of those who have left the party never genuinely subscribed to its ideals and vision in the first place. Their departure, she noted, has in fact brought greater clarity and unity within the party.

“Some of those who left never truly shared our vision. Their exit has helped strengthen internal cohesion and has allowed us to identify true partners in the struggle for a better Nigeria.”



Senator Usman acknowledged that the party had made errors in the past, especially regarding candidate selection. However, she assured the public that the LP had learned valuable lessons and was taking steps to ensure more deliberate and principled choices going forward:

“We made some mistakes in candidate selection, but those lessons have been learned. Going forward, we will be more deliberate in choosing those who genuinely align with our mission of building a new Nigeria.”



Turning her criticism toward the current government, the LP Chairman did not mince words in condemning the APC-led administration. She described it as the most impoverishing in the nation’s history, citing the escalating hardship and deteriorating living conditions faced by millions of Nigerians.

“The APC has failed Nigerians. The suffering of our people has never been this widespread or this severe,” she said, adding that the Labour Party is committed to reversing this trend by championing policies that prioritize citizens’ welfare.



As part of the party’s plan for restructuring and strengthening its grassroots base, Usman revealed that the LP is set to embark on a nationwide membership revalidation exercise.

This, she said, would be followed by congresses and a national convention—all approved by the party’s National Executive Council. She called on aggrieved members to put aside internal disputes and work together toward the party’s collective goals.

“Now is the time for unity and rebuilding. We are inviting all genuine stakeholders to return to the fold and join us as we prepare to reposition the party for the future,” she concluded.