By Kolawole Omotola | Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The faction of the Labour Party led by Interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman has fixed May 23, 2026, for its presidential primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections
The party also announced that primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly positions will hold on May 15, 2026, as part of its preparations for the polls.
These resolutions were reached during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in attendance.
According to the approved timetable, the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026, in compliance with the Electoral Act and established guidelines.
A statement issued by media aide Ken Eluma Asogwa described the timetable as a clear and lawful roadmap for the conduct of credible primaries.
The NEC also ratified dates for its internal congresses, with ward congresses scheduled for March 26, local government congresses on March 28, and state congresses on March 31. The party’s national convention is slated for April 11, 2026.
Addressing internal challenges, the council condemned what it termed an invasion of the party’s national secretariat by suspected hoodlums allegedly backed by disgruntled elements within the party.
In a decisive move to enforce discipline, NEC approved the suspension of 25 members over alleged anti-party activities and misconduct, following recommendations from a disciplinary committee. The leadership said the action was necessary to restore order and protect the integrity of the party.
As part of efforts to strengthen its structure, the party also approved the expansion of its membership register through a hybrid system that combines digital and manual registration, particularly targeting rural communities to enhance inclusiveness.
Additionally, NEC authorised the appointment of interim officials to fill vacant positions pending the conduct of substantive congresses.
The council urged aggrieved members to utilise internal dispute resolution mechanisms and emphasised the need for unity within party ranks.
It also welcomed a recent Federal High Court judgment affirming Nenadi Usman as interim national chairman, passing a vote of confidence in her leadership as well as other key stakeholders, including Alex Otti.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and called on members to remain focused on its ideals as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
