Labour party won’t copy APC primaries, says Nenadi usman

The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Nenadi Usman, has said the party has no intention of copying the style and conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists during the screening of aspirants for various elective positions, Usman said the Labour Party would maintain its distinct approach despite claims by the APC that it had conducted some of the best primaries in the country.

“Labour Party will not copy anybody because we are Labour Party,” she said in response to comments by APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who recently praised the ruling party’s conduct of its primary elections.

Basiru had stated that no political party in Nigeria could match the APC in terms of organisation and transparency during primaries, despite controversies surrounding the party’s internal electoral process.

The APC primaries have faced criticism over allegations of candidate imposition, electoral irregularities, violence, and the exclusion of some stakeholders. The consensus method adopted in several states has also generated opposition from dissatisfied aspirants, who argued that the process lacked transparency and sidelined popular contenders.

However, speaking on Arise News, Basiru insisted that no other political party could surpass the APC’s performance in conducting credible primaries.

Reacting to the claim, Usman maintained that the Labour Party would chart its own course.

“Well, we are not copying anybody because we are Labour Party, so we cannot copy anybody,” she said.

She further disclosed that about three presidential aspirants had already passed through the party’s screening process ahead of its primaries.

On concerns that the exit of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may have weakened the Labour Party’s influence and electoral prospects, Usman dismissed the suggestion.

“I don’t think so. From the number of people indicating interest in using the party as a platform to contest the election, I think the party is still strong,” she said.

Speaking on the controversy surrounding former National Chairman, Julius Abure, allegedly distributing free nomination forms to aspirants, Usman described the action as surprising and unlawful.

“Well, we received the news with surprise. It was shocking because the court had already ruled that his tenure was over. We then went to Umuahia, held a national convention, and elected new leaders. INEC was there and recognised what we did. The names currently on the INEC website as leaders of the party are those elected in Umuahia,” she said.

“Then he comes out distributing free forms. We are yet to be served any court papers. We heard he went to the Supreme Court, but we have not received any official notice.”

She added that the party had already petitioned security agencies over the matter.

“It is very illegal and we have written a petition to the police. We have reported the matter to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS,” she said.

“My position is that the Supreme Court will maintain its earlier stand. If my tenure ends tomorrow and I’m told it is over, I will leave.”