The Labour Party has fixed May 23, 2026, for its presidential primary election as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, while also announcing the suspension of 25 members over alleged anti-party activities.
The decision was taken at the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the timetable released after the meeting, the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026, while primaries for governorship, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly will hold on May 15, 2026.
NEC also ratified the schedule for its internal congresses, with ward, local government and state congresses slated for March 26, 28 and 31, respectively, and the national convention fixed for April 11, 2026.
Suspensions Over Secretariat Invasion
In a major disciplinary move, the council approved the suspension of 25 members accused of indiscipline, anti-party activities and alleged involvement in the recent invasion of the party’s national secretariat.
The decision followed recommendations by the party’s Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee.
Membership Expansion Drive
The party also endorsed an expansion of its membership register through a hybrid system combining digital registration with manual enrolment in rural areas.
The initiative, NEC said, is aimed at strengthening internal democracy and improving transparency in line with the Electoral Act.
Leadership Backed
NEC expressed confidence in the interim leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman, whose position as Interim National Chairman was recently affirmed by a Federal High Court.
The council also passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, labour leaders, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Call for Unity
While urging members to channel grievances through internal mechanisms, the party emphasized the need for unity ahead of the 2027 elections.