The Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) has approved a detailed timetable for its 2027 election primaries, marking a key step in the party’s campaign preparation. The schedule, endorsed at a meeting on 17 March 2026 and observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aligns with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
The approved dates are: submission of the membership register to INEC by 15 April 2026; conducting primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly positions on 15 May 2026; and the presidential primary election on 23 May 2026. These primaries will follow ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for 26, 28, and 31 March 2026, respectively, with a national convention set for 11 April 2026.
In a separate decision, the NEC ratified the suspension of 26 party members for alleged indiscipline, anti-party activities, and complicity in the “desecration” of the party’s national secretariat. The suspensions follow a reported incident where hoodlums allegedly sponsored by “rogue elements” invaded the secretariat. After reviewing a report from the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by BoT Secretary Comrade Salisu Mohammed, the NEC invoked its disciplinary powers. Those suspended include Eneyi G. Zidougha, Hilda Doukubo, Lincolin Charles, Muhammed Sabitu Aliyu, and 22 others.
The council also approved an expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid system combining digital e-registration with manual drives in rural communities. The party stated this initiative aims to modernize its database, strengthen participatory democracy, and enhance administrative transparency in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
Furthermore, the NEC resolved that all vacant positions within party structures will be filled by interim appointees to ensure administrative continuity. As the highest decision-making body between national conventions, the NEC’s actions underscore the party’s focus on organizational discipline and structured preparations for the 2027 general elections. The strict adherence to the published timetable signals the party’s intent to maintain a compliant and orderly nomination process amid internal cohesion challenges.
