The Labour Party has fixed Saturday, May 23, as the date for its presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was taken during the party’s national executive council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) present to observe the proceedings.
In a statement, Ken Asogwa, senior special adviser on media to Nenadi Usman, said the NEC also approved key preparatory activities in line with INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections.
According to him, the electoral body has scheduled the presidential and national assembly elections for January 16, 2027.
Party Outlines Key Election Timeline
As part of preparations, the party said it will submit its membership register to INEC by April 15.
It also fixed May 15 for the conduct of governorship, senatorial, house of representatives, and state assembly primaries.
Asogwa added that NEC ratified the timetable for ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for March 26 to 31, while the party’s national convention will hold on April 11.
NEC Addresses Internal Party Issues
The meeting also addressed internal challenges, including the recent invasion of the party’s national secretariat.
Following recommendations from its peace, reconciliation and disciplinary committee, the NEC suspended several members over alleged acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and involvement in the incident.
Support for Interim Leadership
The council endorsed the party’s ongoing hybrid membership registration exercise, which combines digital e-registration with manual registration in rural communities, as part of efforts to modernise its database and improve transparency.
NEC also passed a vote of confidence in the interim leadership of Nenadi Usman, the interim national working committee, the board of trustees, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Alex Otti.
“The council also urged members to utilise the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address grievances, thereby promoting unity and minimising internal conflicts,” the statement said.
“Finally, NEC welcomed the recent judgment of the Federal High Court affirming the leadership of Sen. Nenadi Usman as Interim National Chairman. The council passed a vote of confidence in her leadership, the Interim National Working Committee, the BOT, leadership of the NLC, leadership of the TUC and the leadership of Gov. Alex Otti.”
