The Labour Party has stepped up preparations for its 2026 National Convention with fresh congress dates and the inauguration of a 45-member Congress and Convention Committee, amid indications that Hon. Chief Philip Agbese could be named Convention Publicity Chairman as the party seeks to bolster its media and mobilization strategy.
In a press statement issued on April 14, 2026, and signed by the National Chairman, Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman, the party outlined a four-day schedule for the congresses culminating in the national convention. “Ward Congress: Thursday 23rd April, 2026. LGA Congress: Friday 24th April, 2026. State Congress: Saturday 25th April, 2026. National Convention: Tuesday 28th April, 2026,” the statement reads.
As part of efforts to ensure a seamless and credible process, the party inaugurated a 45-member Congress and Convention Committee chaired by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, a member representing Isiala Ngwa South/Isiala Ngwa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Other members of the committee include Salisu Mohammed, Obinna Aguocha, Amaobi Ogah, Ibe Okwara, Alex Ikwechegh, Alozie Ikechi, Benedict Etanabene, Emmanuel Emeruwa, Lawson Osagie, and Imaobong Ufot, among others.
While the party has not formally announced the Convention Publicity Chairman, party sources said Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Labour Party, is being considered for the role given his media experience and national profile. Agbese announced his defection to the Labour Party in a statement, saying he is “answering a higher call to serve my people with sincerity, humility, and commitment” through the Labour Party.
“Guided by the exemplary leadership mantra of our distinguished National Chairman, Her Excellency, Senator Nenadi Usman, I feel honoured to be a member of such a modest assembly of patriots,” Agbese said. He added that “being the highest political office holder of the party from Benue State, I perfectly understand the task of building and re-energising the party for victory across board”.
The Labour Party in Benue State has officially declared Hon. Chief Philip Agbese as the undisputed leader of the party in the state. “By party convention and standard practice globally, Rep. Agbese, being the highest political office holder, naturally assumes leadership of the party in the state,” a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs of the Benue LP, Comrade Aluh Odeh, read.
During the inauguration of the Convention Committee, the National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, charged members to discharge their responsibilities with utmost diligence, impartiality, and commitment. She urged them to take full advantage of the postponement to ensure that all necessary preparations are thoroughly completed, guaranteeing hitch-free congresses and national conventions.
The Labour Party leadership also announced that membership registration is still ongoing, encouraging new and existing members to take advantage of the party’s digital platform. Party stakeholders, delegates, and members across the country have been urged to participate actively in the process to ensure a transparent and credible exercise.
Agbese said his immediate priority is to reposition the Labour Party for electoral success in Benue, stressing that the focus should be on winning elections rather than continuing political rivalries. “This is a new party and a new family. It is not time to fight; it is time to win elections,” he said.
