Labour Party Fixes May 23 for 2027 Presidential Primaries

By Abah Margaret

The Labour Party (LP) has scheduled May 23, 2026, for its presidential primaries as part of its 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 on Tuesday, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in attendance.

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 House of Assembly positions are slated for May 15, 2026.

The NEC also ratified the activities of the party’s national leadership led by Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha, including the conduct of Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31, 2026, respectively. The party’s National Convention is billed for April 11, 2026.

Disciplinary Actions

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

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

Those suspended 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, and Godwin Jioke.

Others are Airen Igbinedion, Osas Frank, Kennedy Ahanotu, Ayidele Olurunfemi, B. Arabanbi, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, Auwal Tafoki, and Obiora Ifoh.

Membership Expansion, Structural Changes

NEC further approved the expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid system combining digital registration and manual enrolment, particularly in rural communities.

The initiative, according to the communiqué, is aimed at modernising the party’s database, strengthening internal democracy, and improving transparency and administrative efficiency in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

In addition, the council resolved that all vacant positions within party structures would be filled through interim appointments to ensure continuity.

The party leadership has been empowered to make such appointments in an acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses as outlined in the party’s constitution and timetable.

The NEC also urged members to utilise internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address grievances, stressing the need for unity and cohesion within the party.