2027: Labour Party To Hold Presidential Primary May 23

The National Executive Council of the Labour Party has approved the timetable for the conduct of its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached at a statutory NEC meeting held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, which was duly observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

In compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, the party released a detailed schedule for its primaries.

According to the timetable, submission of the party’s membership register to INEC will take place on April 15, 2026.

The governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primaries are slated for May 15, 2026, while the presidential primary election will hold on May 23, 2026.

The Council also ratified the actions of the party’s national leadership regarding the conduct of its congresses at various levels.

Ward congresses have been fixed for March 26, local government congresses for March 28, and state congresses for March 31, 2026. The party’s National Convention is scheduled to hold on April 11, 2026.

NEC, regarded as the highest decision-making organ of the party after the National Convention, said it reviewed recent developments within its ranks.

Part of the review focused on the alleged invasion of the party’s national secretariat by hoodlums, reportedly sponsored by “rogue elements.”

Following the consideration of a report by the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed, the Council invoked its disciplinary powers.

NEC subsequently approved the suspension of several members over alleged acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and involvement in the desecration of the party’s secretariat.

Those affected 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.

In a move aimed at strengthening its internal structure, NEC approved the expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid system.

The initiative combines digital membership registration with manual enrolment, particularly in rural communities.

The party said the approach is designed to modernise its database, promote participatory democracy, and enhance transparency and efficiency in its administration, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

NEC also resolved that all existing vacancies within party structures would be filled through the appointment of interim leaders.

According to the Council, the measure is intended to ensure continuity and stability in party administration as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.