Labour Party unveils Major Shake-up, fixes March 2026 Congresses, admits regret over Peter Obi’s exit

The Labour Party has announced a far-reaching internal overhaul, resolving to begin nationwide congresses from March 2026 while launching a fresh revalidation of its membership and opening its doors to new entrants.

The resolutions were taken at a joint meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee and Interim National Committee held in Abuja on Saturday, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Ukoha Ukoha.

Party leaders agreed to roll out congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, a process expected to culminate in a National Convention that will reset the party’s leadership structure.

Alongside the congresses, the party approved a nationwide membership revalidation exercise and the registration of new members, with a special committee set up to supervise the process.

In a notable development, the Labour Party openly expressed regret over the departure of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. The leadership said it wished him well and called on members to remain united as the party works to rebuild its strength.

The meeting also endorsed the formation of a reconciliation committee tasked with engaging aggrieved members willing to return, while appealing to former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and his allies to end hostilities and rejoin the party.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Abia State Governor Alex Otti commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognising the Interim National Committee and uploading the party’s leadership details on its website in line with court orders.

While acknowledging the loss of some members, including National Assembly lawmakers elected on the party’s platform and former caretaker committee officials, the NEC maintained that the Labour Party remains strong and resilient.

The party, however, expressed regret that it would be unable to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory election.

Governor Otti concluded by thanking supporters nationwide and assuring them that the Labour Party would emerge from its current challenges more united and better positioned for the future.