2027: LP fixes May 23 2026 for presidential primaries

• Suspends Defiant Members

From Idu Jude, Abuja

Preparatory to the 2027 general elections, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Labour Party has approved the timetable for the conduct of its primary elections.

The LP rising from a National Executive Council Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Party, in compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines, approved the
Submission of the membership register to INEC to take place on April 15, 2026.

It said that the Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly Primaries should take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, while the presidential primary election will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Furthermore, NEC also noted with satisfaction and ratified the actions of the National Leadership of the Party regarding the conduct of Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31, 2026 respectively, as well as the National Convention slated for April 11, 2026.

Furthermore, following a thorough review of the report and recommendations of the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed (BOT Secretary), NEC invoked its disciplinary powers and approved the suspension of the following members for acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and complicity in the desecration of the Party’s National Secretariat.

Those suspended include Eneyi G. Zidougha, Hilda Doukubo, Lincolin Charles, Muhammed Sabitu Aliyu, and Ogar Osim.
Others are Vincent Okwuokei, Casmir Agbo Uchenna, Simon Zubairu Bamga, Abduljamid Sa’ad Suleiman, Emmanuel Agida, Auwala Ahmed, Ularama Jubrila, Grace Zafara Posat, Suleiman Abdurahman, and Abdul.

Also suspended are 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.

NEC further ratified and approved the ongoing expansion of the Party’s membership register through a hybrid approach – Digital Membership Registration (e-registration) alongside manual registration in rural communities. This initiative aims to modernize the Party’s database, strengthen participatory democracy, and enhance transparency and efficiency in Party administration, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Additionally, NEC resolved that all existing vacancies within Party structures shall be filled through the appointment of interim leadership to ensure continuity in administration. The National Leadership has been duly empowered to make such appointments, which will remain in acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses in accordance with the Party Constitution and approved timetable.

The Council also urged members to utilize the Party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address grievances, thereby promoting unity and minimizing internal conflicts.

NEC welcomed the recent judgment of the Federal High Court affirming the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman as Interim National Chairman. The Council passed a vote of confidence on her leadership, the Interim National Working Committee, the BOT, the leadership of the NLC, the leadership of the TUC, and the leadership of Governor Alex Otti. NEC also commended INEC for its prompt compliance with the court’s pronouncement.