The Labour Party (LP) of Nigeria has officially scheduled its presidential primary for May 23, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. This follows the approval of a detailed electoral timetable by the party’s National Executive Council (NEC).
The decision emerged from a statutory NEC meeting held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, attended by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The party emphasized that the timetable aligns fully with the requirements of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Eluma Asogwa in a statement on Wednesday the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026 while Primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly are scheduled for May 15, 2026, while the presidential primary will take place on May 23.
According to the statement, NEC also ratified the schedule for its internal congresses, with ward congresses slated for March 26, local government congresses on March 28, and state congresses on March 31. The party’s national convention is expected to hold on April 11, 2026.
At the meeting, the council reviewed recent developments within the party, including what it described as the “unfortunate invasion” of its national secretariat by suspected hoodlums allegedly linked to some aggrieved members.
Following recommendations by the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed, NEC invoked its disciplinary powers and approved the suspension of 26 members over alleged anti-party activities, indiscipline, and complicity in the disruption.
Those suspended are: 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 party said the action was necessary to restore discipline and safeguard its internal democratic processes.
In a move to strengthen its structure ahead of the elections, NEC also approved the expansion of the party’s membership registration through a hybrid system that combines digital registration with manual enrolment in rural communities. The initiative is aimed at improving data management, encouraging wider participation, and enhancing transparency.
Additionally, the council resolved that all existing vacancies within party structures would be filled through interim appointments to ensure administrative continuity. These appointments will remain in acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses in accordance with the party’s constitution.
NEC further urged members to resolve disputes through internal mechanisms, stressing the importance of unity and cohesion as the party prepares for the 2027 polls.
Meanwhile, the council welcomed a recent Federal High Court judgment affirming Senator Nenadi Usman as Interim National Chairman and passed a vote of confidence in her leadership.
The council also reaffirmed its support for Abia State Governor Alex Otti, alongside the party’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and labour movement leaders.
NEC commended INEC for its prompt compliance with the court’s ruling, noting that the development reinforces democratic norms and institutional credibility within the country’s electoral process.
