Foundation of any successful political party rests on accurate membership data – Usman

The Interim National Chairman of Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, says the foundation of any successful political party rests on accurate membership and strong grassroots presence.

Usman made this known during a High-level Strategic Multi-Level Stakeholders’ Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Our correspondent reports that the summit had as its theme: ‘Reuniting the Labour Family: Consolidating Strength for Sustainable Political Impact.

Usman said that the party would be focusing on nationwide membership registration, grassroots mobilisation and internal unity preparatory to future elections.

She said that the party’s experience in the 2023 general elections signified the need for a more structured and organised system across polling units nationwide.

“The basics of having a successful political party is to know who your members are, where they are and how many they are.

“If we register our members right from the polling units and have their data, we will be able to plan effectively and protect our votes,” she said.

Usman urged stakeholders to return to their states after the technical sessions to implement agreed strategies for mass membership registration and validation.

According to her, no political structure can be sustained without a solid foundation, adding that workers across the country remain a strong base for the party if properly mobilised.

Also speaking, Mr Okoro Igho, the Vice-President and acting Chairman, Political Commission, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), reaffirmed the organised labour’s commitment to the membership mobilisation exercise.

Igho said that the political commissions of both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria would work closely with party leadership to mobilise workers and progressive Nigerians.

“We pledge our commitment to the national membership registration and validation exercise. For the sake of our country and posterity, we cannot afford to fail,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, representing the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, said unity and internal cohesion were critical to the party’s long-term success.

Emetu described the ongoing reforms and development in Abia as evidence that the party could translate its vision into purposeful governance.

“The strength of any political movement lies not only in numbers but in cohesion, discipline and shared conviction.

“As we look ahead to 2027, we must consolidate our structures, deepen grassroots mobilisation, promote internal democracy and strengthen communication with the people,” he said.

He urged the summit to produce actionable resolutions with clear responsibilities and timeliness, stressing that internal disagreements should be resolved through dialogue rather than division.

Our correspondent reports that the meeting brought together members of the party’s National Working Committee, political commission leaders of organised labour and other key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Labour Party’s structures nationwide.