The Labour Party Nigeria has scheduled May 23, 2026, for its presidential primary as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja.
According to the statement released on Wednesday, the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026. It also confirmed that primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly positions will be conducted on May 15, 2026.
The NEC endorsed the actions of the party’s national leadership under Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha regarding the planned ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31, 2026, respectively, as well as the national convention set for April 11, 2026.
During the meeting, the council also reviewed internal developments, including the recent invasion of the party’s national secretariat by hoodlums allegedly backed by “certain rogue elements.”
The communiqué read in part: “Following a thorough review of the report and recommendations of the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed (BOT Secretary), NEC invoked its disciplinary powers and approved the suspension of the following members for acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and complicity in the desecration of the Party’s National Secretariat.”
Those affected by the suspension include Eneyi G. Zidougha, Hilda Doukubo, Lincolin Charles, Muhammed Sabitu Aliyu, Ogar Osim, Vincent Okwuokei, Casmir Agbo Uchenna, Simon Zubairu Bamga, Abduljamid Sa’ad Suleiman, Emmanuel Agida, Auwala Ahmed, Ularama Jubrila, Grace Zafara Posat, Suleiman Abdurahman Abdul, Ajibade Adekunle Samson, Alexander Emmanuel Ombugu, Elizabeth Ativie, Godwin Jioke, Airen Igbinedion, Osas Frank, Kennedy Ahanotu, Ayidele Olurunfemi, B. Arabanbi, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, Auwal Tafoki, and Obiora Ifoh.
The NEC further approved the expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid system combining digital registration and manual enrolment in rural communities. The initiative aims to modernise its database, boost participation, and improve transparency in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
In addition, the council resolved that vacant positions within party structures would be filled through interim appointments to ensure administrative continuity until substantive congresses are held.
“The National Leadership has been duly empowered to make such appointments, which will remain in an acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses in accordance with the Party Constitution and approved timetable,” the communiqué added.
The NEC also urged members to resolve disputes through internal mechanisms to strengthen unity and reduce internal conflicts within the party.
What you should know
The Labour Party’s timetable signals early preparation for the 2027 elections, with clear dates for primaries and internal restructuring.
The move to digitise membership registration reflects efforts to modernise operations and improve transparency.
However, internal challenges, including suspensions and reported disruptions at the party secretariat, highlight ongoing efforts to stabilise leadership and maintain unity ahead of crucial electoral activities.
