Labour Party fixes May 23 presidential primaries, unveils roadmap for 2027 elections
The Labour Party (LP) has fixed May 23, 2026, for its presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling the start of its electoral preparations.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, which was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the timetable, the party will submit its membership register on April 15, while primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly positions are scheduled for May 15.
The NEC also ratified the actions of the party’s leadership under Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha, including the conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses slated for March 26, 28, and 31, as well as the national convention set for April 11.
The council reviewed recent developments within the party, particularly the invasion of its national secretariat by suspected hoodlums allegedly sponsored by “certain rogue elements,” describing the incident as a serious breach of party order.
“Following a thorough review of the report and recommendations of the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee,” the communiqué stated, “NEC invoked its disciplinary powers and approved the suspension of some members for acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and complicity in the desecration of the party’s national secretariat.”
The party also disclosed plans to expand its membership register through a hybrid system that combines digital and manual processes. It said the initiative is aimed at modernising its database, strengthening participatory democracy, and enhancing transparency and efficiency in party administration, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
To ensure continuity, NEC resolved that all existing vacancies within party structures would be filled through interim appointments.
It added that such positions would be held in an acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses, while urging members to adopt internal dispute resolution mechanisms to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
