According to a report by PM News Nigeria on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Labour Party filed charges with the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the unlawful distribution of nomination papers linked to former National Chairman Julius Abure.

Senator Nenadi Usman, the party’s National Chairman, told journalists on Thursday during the screening of aspirants before the primaries in Abuja.

Usman also provided copies of the petitions to INEC, emphasising that the party leadership did not endorse the alleged form distribution.

She insisted that any activity outside the party’s Umuahia national convention leadership was invalid.

The news shocked us. After the court determined that his term was over, we conducted a national convention in Umuahia and chose new leaders, which surprised us.

INEC attended and accepted the convention’s results. He distributed forms despite INEC’s portal listing Umuahia’s elected officials, she alleged.

Usman claimed the party had not received court papers notifying it of Abure’s Supreme Court appeal.

She believed the Supreme Court will uphold its ruling on the party leadership conflict.

I think the Supreme Court will stick to its viewpoint. She emphasised that a court’s tenure termination judgement cannot be overturned by personal interpretation.

Usman claimed some people were tricked into buying forms not issued by the party’s leadership.

One man told me his wife wanted to contest, but I reviewed the document and it wasn’t the party’s official form.

“People are misled, and that is unacceptable,” she remarked.

Despite the internal conflict, the Labour Party chairman voiced optimism about the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing rising national aspirations.

“From the level of interest we are seeing from people willing to contest on our platform, it is clear the party remains strong,” she said.

She said three candidates had received party presidential nomination forms.

Usman added that the party had decided to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the south.

Our choice is a Southern presidential candidate. North Americans buying forms should understand that, she said.

She said conversations were underway about a consensual arrangement and that the party’s selection process would remain open and credible.

We may reach unanimity, but screening will be comprehensive. We pledge to present candidates who serve Nigerians well.

Whichever candidate emerges will do so through an open and fair process,” she said.

Usman continued by praising the democratic process and Nigerians’ ability to choose their leaders in 2027, saying people make the final decision.

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