NEWS
Labour Party Constitutes High-Powered Screening Committee Ahead of 2027 General Elections Primaries
The national leadership of the Labour Party has officially constituted a high-powered National Screening Committee to oversee the screening of aspirants seeking the party’s nomination tickets for the 2027 General Elections.
The development was contained in a special announcement issued by the party’s national headquarters under reference number LPHQ/NWC/MEMO/SSC/05/26/001 dated May 11, 2026.
According to the memo signed by the National Chairman of the party, Nenadi Esther Usman, and the National Secretary, Iheanacho Obioma, the constitution of the committee was approved pursuant to Articles 20(1B)(d), 20(2)(d), and 27 of the Labour Party Constitution, alongside the provisions of the Electoral Guidelines for the 2026 Primaries.
The committee is expected to play a critical role in determining qualified aspirants who will fly the party’s flag in the presidential, governorship, and National Assembly elections in 2027.
The newly inaugurated committee will be chaired by Senator Nenadi E. Usman, while other members include Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, Comrade Mohammad Salisu, Pastor Mrs. Martina Umana, Mrs. Deborah Yusuf, Chibuzo Okereke Ph.D. FSM, and Dr. Olu Ayewoh. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma will serve as Secretary of the committee.
The party explained that the committee has been mandated to conduct thorough screening exercises for all aspirants in line with the Labour Party Constitution, the party’s Electoral Guidelines for Primaries 2026, the Electoral Act 2026, INEC regulations and guidelines for political parties, as well as the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
Among its responsibilities, the committee is expected to verify the authenticity and completeness of documents submitted by aspirants, ensure strict compliance with statutory and party eligibility requirements, and recommend qualified candidates for participation in the party’s nomination primaries.
The committee is also expected to submit its screening reports within the stipulated timeline in accordance with the party’s approved schedule and timetable for the 2026 primary elections.
The Labour Party leadership further urged members of the screening panel to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, fairness, and commitment to the overall interest and unity of the party as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.
Political observers believe the constitution of the screening committee signals the party’s early strategic preparations for the next general elections, amid growing expectations surrounding the Labour Party’s performance and internal restructuring across the country.