LP fixes dates for 2027 primaries, cracks down on members linked to Secretariat invasion

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party has approved a comprehensive timetable for the conduct of its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling the party’s formal entry into preparations for the next electoral cycle.

The decision was reached at a statutory NEC meeting held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, which was duly observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the party, the approved schedule complies with the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC’s operational guidelines.

Under the timetable, the submission of the party’s membership register to INEC is slated for April 15, 2026. Primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly positions will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, while the presidential primary election is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.

NEC also ratified earlier decisions of the party’s national leadership regarding the conduct of Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses, which are fixed for March 26, March 28, and March 31, 2026, respectively. The party’s National Convention is expected to follow on April 11, 2026.

As the party’s highest decision-making organ after the National Convention, NEC reviewed recent developments within its ranks, including what it described as an alleged invasion of its national secretariat by hoodlums purportedly sponsored by “rogue elements.”

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Following consideration of a report submitted by the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, the council invoked its disciplinary powers and approved the suspension of several members for alleged acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and involvement in the desecration of the party’s headquarters.

Those suspended include 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.

In a move aimed at strengthening its internal structures, NEC also approved the expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid system combining digital registration (e-registration) with manual enrollment, particularly in rural communities.

The party said the initiative is designed to modernize its database, deepen participatory democracy, and improve transparency and administrative efficiency in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

Furthermore, the council resolved that all existing vacancies across party structures nationwide will be filled through the appointment of interim leaders to ensure continuity in governance and operations pending the emergence of substantive office holders.

The decisions taken at the meeting underscore the Labour Party’s effort to consolidate its organizational framework while positioning itself competitively for the 2027 polls.