Labour Party Fixes May 23 for Presidential Primary Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Labour Party has announced May 23, 2027, as the date for its presidential primary, setting the stage for its preparations ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.

The decision was taken at a statutory meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) held in Abuja and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa.

According to the statement, the party has also scheduled its governorship, National Assembly and state assembly primaries for May 15, while April 15 has been fixed for the submission of its membership register to INEC in line with electoral guidelines.

The NEC further approved a national convention for April 11, which is expected to consolidate the party’s leadership structure and prepare it for the primaries. Party congresses at ward, local government and state levels have been slated for March 26, March 28 and March 31, respectively.

The timetable comes as the party seeks to rebuild internal cohesion following recent leadership disputes and controversies. NEC reviewed recent tensions within the party, including the invasion of its national secretariat by suspected hoodlums, an incident it linked to internal disagreements.

As part of efforts to restore discipline, the party’s Board of Trustees implemented sanctions against some members accused of anti-party activities and indiscipline, with NEC ratifying the decision.

The council also endorsed a hybrid membership registration system combining digital and manual processes to expand its base, particularly in rural areas. The move, party officials say, is aimed at improving transparency and strengthening grassroots participation.

The Labour Party has emerged as a significant political force in recent years, particularly following its performance in the 2023 general elections, which reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.

In a related development, NEC passed a vote of confidence in the Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, whose leadership was recently affirmed by a Federal High Court judgment.

The party also expressed support for key stakeholders, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.