NEWS
Labour Party Unveils Detailed 2026 Primary Election Timetable, Fixes Nomination Fees Ahead of 2027 General Elections
The Labour Party has officially released its comprehensive timetable, schedule of activities, and nomination fees for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
In a press statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the party said the schedule was carefully designed in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the Electoral Act 2026, and the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the party, the timetable outlines a structured and time-bound process that will govern the emergence of its candidates across all elective positions.
The sale of nomination forms is scheduled to commence on May 6, 2026, and will run through May 16, 2026, giving interested aspirants a ten-day window to obtain the necessary documents. Submission of completed forms will follow immediately, beginning on May 17 and ending on May 18, 2026.
Screening exercises for aspirants are slated for May 20, 2026, covering House of Assembly and governorship hopefuls, while those vying for National Assembly and presidential tickets will be screened on May 22, 2026. The party will publish the screening results on May 23.
For aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome, appeal processes have been scheduled for May 24 and May 25, depending on the category of office, with the final list of cleared aspirants to be released on May 26, 2026.
The party primaries themselves will take place shortly after, with House of Assembly and governorship primaries fixed for May 27, 2026, while National Assembly and presidential primaries will hold on May 29, 2026.
Alongside the timetable, the Labour Party also announced a structured fee regime for nomination forms across all elective offices. Aspirants for State House of Assembly seats are expected to pay a total of ₦3 million, while those contesting for the House of Representatives will pay ₦5 million. Senatorial aspirants will pay ₦10 million.
Governorship aspirants are to pay ₦25 million, while the presidential nomination fee stands at ₦50 million. However, the party disclosed that Alex Otti will be presented with his nomination form free of charge by the National Working Committee.
In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity and participation, the party reaffirmed its commitment to its core principles of equal opportunity and social justice. It announced that female aspirants, persons living with disabilities, and young aspirants between the ages of 25 and 30 will only be required to pay for the Expression of Interest forms across all categories, significantly reducing the financial burden on these groups.
The party also issued a strong call to prospective aspirants who are not yet registered members to take advantage of its ongoing e-registration exercise. It emphasized that registration, which began on May 3, 2026, will close at midnight on May 4, 2026, ahead of the compilation and submission of its membership register to INEC, as required by law.
The release of this timetable signals the Labour Party’s early preparations and strategic positioning as political activities begin to gather momentum nationwide ahead of
the 2027 elections.