The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party has fixed May 23, 2027, for its presidential primary, as part of a comprehensive timetable approved for the party’s primary elections ahead of the general polls.
The Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Mr. Ken Asogwa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, following a statutory NEC meeting observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Asogwa said, “The National Executive Council of the Labour Party has approved May 23 for the conduct of its presidential primary as part of the timetable for the 2027 general elections.”
He explained that the council also approved April 15 for the submission of the party’s membership register to INEC in compliance with electoral guidelines.
“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, the party has also approved April 15 for submission of its membership register to the commission,” he stated.
He added that other primary elections into key elective offices would precede the presidential exercise.
“The governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries have been scheduled to hold on May 15,” Asogwa said.
The party also outlined timelines for its internal congresses and convention.
“The NEC ratified the actions of the party’s national leadership regarding the conduct of ward, local government and state congresses on March 26, March 28 and March 31, respectively, while the national convention has been scheduled for April 11,” he added.
Asogwa noted that the council reviewed recent developments within the party, including security concerns surrounding its national secretariat.
“The council, which remains the highest decision-making organ of the party after the national convention, reviewed recent developments within the party. This included the recent unfortunate invasion of the party secretariat by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by certain rogue elements,” he said.
He disclosed that disciplinary measures had been taken against some members following recommendations by the party’s Board of Trustees.
“The Board of Trustees, after reviewing the report and recommendations of the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee chaired by Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, approved the suspension of some members for alleged acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities and complicity in the desecration of the party’s national secretariat,” Asogwa stated.
On membership expansion, he said NEC endorsed a dual registration approach to strengthen the party’s database.
“NEC further ratified and approved the ongoing expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid approach, Digital Membership Registration (e-registration), alongside manual registration in rural communities,” he said.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at improving transparency and participation.
“This initiative is aimed at modernising the party’s database, strengthening participatory democracy and enhancing transparency and efficiency in party administration, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026,” he added.
Asogwa further revealed that NEC had moved to address vacancies within party structures to ensure continuity.
“The NEC resolved that all existing vacancies within party structures should be filled by appointing interim leadership to ensure continuity in administration,” he said.
“The national leadership has been duly empowered to make such appointments, which will remain in acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses in accordance with the party constitution and approved timetable,” he added.
He also urged party members to embrace internal mechanisms for resolving disputes.
“The council urged members to utilise the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address grievances, thereby promoting unity and minimising internal conflicts,” Asogwa stated.
On leadership, Asogwa said NEC reaffirmed confidence in the Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, following a recent court ruling.
“NEC welcomed the recent judgment of the Federal High Court affirming the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman as Interim National Chairman and passed a vote of confidence in her leadership, the Interim National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and Governor Alex Otti,” he said.
He added that the party commended INEC for its role in upholding the rule of law.
“The council commended INEC for its prompt compliance with the court pronouncement,” Asogwa said.
