Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — The Labour Party, a political party in Nigeria, has announced Saturday, May 23, 2026, as the date for its presidential primary election as part of preparations for the country’s 2027 general elections.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council, the highest decision-making body after its National Convention. The meeting was held in Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria’s electoral body responsible for overseeing elections. The communiqué was made public on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
According to the timetable, the party will submit its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly positions are scheduled to take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, ahead of the presidential contest.
Okay News reports that the National Executive Council also reviewed internal developments within the party and addressed recent tensions, including the reported invasion of the party’s national secretariat by individuals described as hoodlums allegedly backed by what the communiqué called “certain rogue elements.”
Following deliberations, the council adopted recommendations from its Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed, who serves as Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees. The council subsequently approved disciplinary measures against several members.
The communiqué stated: “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.”
A total of 27 members were suspended, including Eneyi G. Zidougha, Hilda Doukubo, Lincolin Charles, Muhammed Sabitu Aliyu, Ogar Osim, Vincent Okwuokei, Casmir Agbo Uchenna, Simon Zubairu Bamga, Abduljamid Sa’ad Suleiman, Emmanuel Agida, Auwala Ahmed, Ularama Jubrila, Grace Zafara Posat, Suleiman Abdurahman Abdul, 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.
The council also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing restructuring efforts led by Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, particularly regarding the conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for Wednesday, March 26; Friday, March 28; and Monday, March 31, 2026. The party’s National Convention is expected to take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
In addition, the council approved the continued expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid system combining digital registration and manual enrolment in rural communities. The initiative is intended to modernise the party’s database, improve transparency, and encourage wider participation, in line with the provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026.
To ensure continuity in party administration, the council resolved that vacant positions within party structures would be temporarily filled through interim appointments. These appointments will remain in place until substantive congresses are conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and approved timetable.
The council also urged members to make use of internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address grievances, stressing the importance of unity and stability as the party prepares for a competitive election cycle.
The decisions mark a critical phase in the Labour Party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, as political parties across Nigeria begin to organise their internal processes and select candidates.
