2027: LP fixes May 23 for presidential primaries

The Labour Party has scheduled May 23, 2026, for its presidential primaries as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

This was disclosed in a communiqué issued after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the timetable, the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026. Primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly are slated for May 15, 2026.

The NEC also ratified the activities of the party’s national leadership under Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha, including the conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31, as well as the national convention fixed for April 11, 2026.

During the meeting, the council reviewed recent developments within the party, including the reported invasion of its national secretariat by hoodlums allegedly backed by “rogue elements.”

Following recommendations from the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee chaired by Salisu Mohammed, NEC approved the suspension of several members over alleged acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and involvement in the disruption at the secretariat.

The party also endorsed the ongoing expansion of its membership register through a hybrid system combining digital registration with manual enrolment in rural areas. The initiative, it said, is aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and participation in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

In addition, NEC resolved to fill vacant positions within party structures through interim appointments to ensure administrative continuity pending the conduct of fresh congresses.

The council urged members to utilise internal conflict resolution mechanisms to address grievances and promote unity within the party.