Labour Party Schedules Presidential Primary for May 23

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party has set May 23 for its presidential primary.

Ken Asogwa, the Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

Asogwa indicated that this decision is part of the timetable approved for the party's primary elections in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

He noted that this timetable was established during a statutory NEC meeting attended by members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, Asogwa stated that the party has also set April 15 as the deadline for submitting its membership register to INEC.

Additionally, he mentioned that the primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly are scheduled to occur on May 15.

Asogwa further revealed that the NEC has ratified the actions taken by the party's national leadership regarding the conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses, which are planned for March 26, March 28, and March 31, respectively.

Further, the national convention is scheduled for April 11.

“The council, which is the highest decision-making body of the party outside of the national convention, reviewed recent developments within the party, including the regrettable invasion of the party secretariat by individuals reportedly sponsored by certain disrupters,” he commented.

Asogwa specified that the Board of Trustees (BOT), after reviewing a report and proposals from the Peace, Reconciliation, and Disciplinary Committee chaired by BOT Secretary Salisu Mohammed, has suspended several members.

The suspensions are for alleged indiscipline, involvement in anti-party activities, and complicity in the disruption of the national secretariat of the party.

“NEC also confirmed and sanctioned the ongoing expansion of the party's membership register through both Digital Membership Registration (e-registration) and traditional manual registration in rural areas. This initiative aims to modernize the party's database, enhance participatory democracy, and improve transparency and efficiency in administration, in accordance with the 2026 Electoral Act's requirements,” he elaborated.

Asogwa added that the Labour Party's NEC has decided that all existing vacancies within the party structures must be filled with interim leadership to ensure uninterrupted administration.

“The national leadership has the authority to make these appointments, which will function in an acting capacity until formal congresses are conducted as per the party constitution and the timetable approved.

“The council also encouraged members to leverage the party's internal conflict resolution mechanisms to resolve disputes, fostering unity and reducing internal strife.

“Lastly, NEC expressed support for the recent Federal High Court ruling that recognized Sen. Nenadi Usman as the Interim National Chairman.

“The council expressed confidence in her leadership, the Interim National Working Committee, the BOT, and the leadership of both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), including Gov. Alex Otti's leadership,” he stated.

Asogwa commended INEC for its prompt adherence to the court’s ruling.