The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria has launched a nationwide membership drive that aims to recruit millions of new supporters as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The campaign, announced by the faction of the party led by Senator Nenadi Usman, comes as LP works to strengthen its structures and expand its presence across all parts of the country after years of internal challenges and organisational setbacks.
The party has set an ambitious target of reaching 10 million registered members in what it calls the “Labour Party Connect” mobilisation campaign, aimed at connecting supporters and “patriots” who share its vision for political change and national renewal. This initiative will involve both revalidation of existing members and the registration of new ones, officials said, with grassroots committees and leadership bodies across states mobilising volunteers.
Senator Usman’s faction has also moved to formalise its administrative base by submitting lists of Interim State Working Committees to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Party leaders said these steps were necessary to ensure that local and regional branches of the Labour Party are officially recognised and can operate effectively in the months ahead.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, the Labour Party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Ife Salako, stressed that the membership drive is central to rebuilding the party’s organisation after a period of internal disputes that saw divisions and legal battles over leadership. The new steering committee on membership revalidation and registration will coordinate activities from the ward level up to the national headquarters, encouraging Nigerians of all ages to join or renew their affiliation.
“The Labour Party must have a firm foundation if it is to influence the future of our nation,” Salako said. “This membership drive is about strengthening our party’s numbers and our capacity to serve Nigerians who are tired of ineffective governance and want a real alternative.”
The party’s strategy reflects a broader effort to build political momentum after the 2023 general election, where LP emerged as a significant opposition force but struggled with organisational weakness and defections. By investing in membership growth and internal structures, LP leaders hope to translate popular support into a durable political machine capable of winning elections and influencing policy.
Labour Party officials explained that expanding membership is not just about numbers. They said it is also intended to deepen democratic participation among ordinary Nigerians who have felt excluded from political processes dominated by the larger parties. The new membership committees will work in urban and rural areas alike to register supporters, hold local meetings, and tie party activities more closely to community issues.
Some party members said the drive has already generated excitement among youth and grassroots activists who see it as a chance to shape the direction of national politics. They pointed to high levels of economic hardship, unemployment and public dissatisfaction with current leadership as reasons many Nigerians might be attracted to Labour Party’s calls for reform.
However, the push for new members comes amid ongoing challenges within the party. Internal debates over leadership legitimacy and strategy have periodically threatened unity, and some former members have defected to other political parties. Party officials say the membership campaign is also an effort to heal divisions and bring more cohesion to LP ahead of the crucial election cycle.
As the membership drive rolls out across Nigeria, Labour Party leaders and supporters will closely watch how many people respond to the call to join or revalidate membership. With a target in the millions, the success of the campaign could play a key role in the party’s influence and performance in the 2027 elections and beyond.
