The Chairman of the Labour Party’s National Caretaker Committee, Senator Nenadi Usman, has hailed the court’s decision on the party’s long-running leadership crisis as a triumph for democracy and a significant turning point for the opposition party.
Speaking to TVC News after the judgement, Usman expressed satisfaction with the outcome and praised the judiciary for what she described as its commitment to democratic principles.
“I was happy with the ruling. I appreciate my team of lawyers and the judiciary for a job well done. I am also happy that the judiciary has again played its role in ensuring the continued development of democracy in Nigeria,” she said.
Usman stressed that democracy could only thrive in an environment where the judiciary remains independent, assertive and functional.
She said, “Democracy will continue to thrive in the presence of an independent, assertive and functional judiciary. The judiciary must remain strong for democratic development to endure.”
According to her, the judgement has finally brought an end to the internal leadership tussle that has rocked the Labour Party since 2023.
“This ruling has put an end to the crisis of leadership we have faced since 2023. It is now left for us to bring everyone together, make peace and forge ahead,” she said.
Usman disclosed that the party would now focus on reconciliation and rebuilding, beginning with the organisation of congresses at all levels.
She said plans were underway to conduct local government, state and national congresses, as well as a national convention, to reposition the party.
“Our next priority is to organise congresses at the local government, state and national levels, including a national convention, to reposition the party,” she added.
Reacting to the recent wave of defections from the party, including that of former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Usman said those who left did so with the party’s blessing.
“Peter Obi and others who have moved have our blessing. We also understand why some of them left. It has been over a year of moving from one court to another to resolve these issues,” she said.
She maintained that the Labour Party is not built around any single individual and would continue to reorganise itself into a formidable political force.
Usman disclosed that she had not spoken with Obi about a possible return to the party ahead of the 2027 elections but wished him well.
“I have not spoken to Peter Obi on whether he may want to come back to the Labour Party to contest on our platform in 2027, but I wish him well,” she said.
She maintained that the Labour Party is not built around any single individual and would continue to reorganise itself into a formidable political force.
Usman disclosed that she had not spoken with Obi about a possible return to the party ahead of the 2027 elections but wished him well.
“I have not spoken to Peter Obi on whether he may want to come back to the Labour Party to contest on our platform in 2027, but I wish him well,” she said.
She further revealed that her faction had been operating from a separate location due to the leadership dispute but expressed confidence that the judgement would allow the caretaker committee to fully assume control of party structures.
“With the unambiguous judgement delivered by the court today, I expect that we will be able to take over and reposition the party going forward,” Usman said.
