The Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has indicated that it may no longer be feasible for the party’s former presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, to return and seek its ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television, Usman explained that electoral regulations and internal party timelines would make such a move difficult. She noted that once the party’s membership register is closed—21 days before primaries and submitted electronically to Independent National Electoral Commission—new entrants cannot be added to contest.

Despite this position, she acknowledged Obi’s influence in elevating the party’s visibility during the last election cycle, admitting that no current member possesses the same level of political appeal. She revealed that Obi played a key role in persuading her and many others to join the party, largely due to shared beliefs in fairness and equity.

Usman also recounted that her departure from the Peoples Democratic Party was driven by dissatisfaction with its zoning decision at the time, which she felt was unjust.

Looking ahead, she said the party intends to return to its foundational principles of social justice and equal opportunity. She highlighted Alex Otti as a leading example of these ideals in practice, describing him as a strong representative of the party’s values.

She further encouraged Nigerians, particularly activists and labour advocates, to engage directly in politics by contesting elections, stressing that meaningful change cannot be achieved from outside the system.