The Labour Party (LP) has released a detailed timetable for its 2026 primary elections, which precede the country’s 2027 general elections. The schedule was announced on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, and aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In its statement, the LP set the combined cost of the presidential expression of interest (EOI) and nomination forms at N50 million. House of Assembly aspirants will pay N3 million, House of Representatives candidates N5 million, Senate hopefuls N10 million and governorship contenders N25 million. For the presidential race, the EOI form costs N10 million while the nomination form costs N40 million.
The party has announced fee concessions for women, youths aged 25‑30 and persons living with disabilities, who will be required to pay only the EOI fee for any position. Additionally, the party’s National Leader and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will receive both his EOI and nomination forms free of charge in recognition of his performance in office and contributions to the party’s image.
The nomination‑form sales period runs from 6 May to 16 May, with completed forms to be submitted on 17‑18 May. Screening of aspirants is scheduled for 20 May for House of Assembly and governorship candidates, and for 22 May for National Assembly and presidential aspirants. Results of the screenings are expected on 23 May.
Appeals and petitions will be heard on 24 May for state‑level positions and on 25 May for National Assembly and presidential contestants. The final list of cleared aspirants will be published on 26 May. Primary elections are slated for 27 May for House of Assembly and governorship seats, and for 29 May for National Assembly and presidential slots.
The LP also urged prospective candidates who have not yet become party members to use its e‑registration platform, which closes at midnight on 4 May, ahead of the submission of the party’s membership register to INEC.
The release of the timetable provides a clear roadmap for LP aspirants and underscores the party’s effort to comply with statutory requirements while offering targeted concessions to under‑represented groups. The upcoming primaries will shape the LP’s candidate slate for the 2027 general elections, influencing the broader political contest ahead of the national vote.
