Labour Party Schedules 2026 Presidential Primary for May 23

The Labour Party (LP) has officially set May 23, 2026, as the date for its presidential primary election. This is an important step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. The decision came from the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) during a mandatory meeting in Abuja that included key stakeholders and party officials.

According to a statement from Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, the NEC decided that the May 23 date will be included in the party’s official timetable for all primary elections leading up to the nationwide polls.

“The National Executive Council has fixed May 23 for the presidential primary,” Asogwa said, underscoring the party’s compliance with both the Electoral Act, 2026 and the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The presidential primary will be followed by other important nomination activities scheduled earlier in the party’s calendar. The submission of the membership register to INEC is expected by April 15, while primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly candidates are set for May 15.

Besides the electoral deadlines, the NEC approved the party’s internal congress timetable. Ward congresses will take place on March 26, local government congresses on March 28, and state congresses on March 31. The national convention is planned for April 11.

The party’s leadership emphasized that the NEC is the top decision-making body after the national convention. They confirmed that the timetable was approved in line with the legal and constitutional rules governing Nigeria’s electoral processes.

Strengthening Structures and Unity

To improve party administration and boost organizational capacity, the NEC approved an expansion of the Labour Party’s membership register. This initiative combines manual registration with digital e-registration to improve transparency and efficiency in party management.

The council also addressed internal issues within the party, including reports of disruptions at the national secretariat. The NEC ratified recommendations from the Board of Trustees’ Peace, Reconciliation, and Disciplinary Committee, leading to the suspension of some members for alleged anti-party actions and discipline issues.

NEC encouraged members to use the party’s internal mechanisms to resolve disputes, promoting unity and peaceful handling of grievances ahead of the primary season.

At the end of its session, the NEC welcomed a recent Federal High Court ruling that confirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as Interim National Chairman. They expressed confidence in her leadership and that of other party groups, including the National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, and associated labor unions.

As Nigeria’s political scene heats up before the 2027 elections, the Labour Party’s planned May 23 presidential primary will be a crucial moment for the party to strengthen its platform and choose a candidate with nationwide appeal.