Labour Party Reaffirms Commitment to Women Inclusion in Politics — Nenadi Usman
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to promoting greater participation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to a press statement issued by Ken Eluma Asogwa, National Publicity Secretary, May 8, 2026,. Usman made this known on Friday in Abuja while receiving members of the Nigeria League of Women Voters, Kaduna State chapter, who paid her a courtesy visit.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the group’s spokesperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Rekiya Shonekan, commended the Labour Party chairman for her achievements in public service and urged her to support advocacy efforts for the passage of a Bill seeking special seats for women in parliament.
The delegation also appealed for sustained backing for women empowerment initiatives and broader efforts aimed at making Nigeria’s political space more inclusive.
In her response, Usman praised the group for its resilience in advancing women’s political rights and urged its members to remain steadfast despite prevailing challenges.
She noted that the Labour Party had, prior to the defection of some of its lawmakers elected in 2023, directed its representatives in the National Assembly to support gender inclusion bills.
The Labour Party chairman maintained that the party has demonstrated its commitment to inclusion not only in words but in action.
She highlighted that the party currently has women occupying key national leadership positions, including National Chairman, National Organising Secretary, and National Legal Adviser, an arrangement she described as unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history.
Usman, however, encouraged women to be proactive and not rely solely on special quotas before participating in politics. Drawing from her personal experience, she said women must take bold steps to assert themselves in leadership.
Expressing concern over declining female representation in governance, she noted that while there were eight female senators in the 7th National Assembly, the current 10th Senate has only three, a trend she described as a setback for gender inclusion.
She also urged women voters to support female candidates during elections, lamenting that women often fail to back their own at the polls despite their numerical strength.
The Labour Party chairman called for prayers and support in her leadership role, noting that her success would inspire more women to pursue leadership positions.
She further urged the group to intensify voter sensitisation, stressing that supporting women candidates would strengthen the push for inclusion.
Usman commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for his belief in women’s capacity and inclusive governance style.
She revealed that she was moved to tears when Otti insisted she remain in office as party chairman ahead of the party’s convention in Umuahia.
Describing Otti as a strong advocate of women inclusion, Usman cited his appointments in Abia State as evidence of his commitment.
She urged women to mobilise support for the Labour Party in future elections, noting that greater electoral success would help advance the cause of women inclusion.
Usman concluded that the performance of the Abia State government under Otti reflects the Labour Party’s ideals and vision for governance.
