Labour Party Suspends 25 Members, Fixes May 23 for Presidential Primary

— Labour Party logo

By Adeola Idris

The Labour Party faction led by Nenadi Usman, Interim National Chairman, has fixed May 23, 2026, for its presidential primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also fixed the primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly for May 15, 2026.

The decision was taken by the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), which also approved a comprehensive timetable for its primaries and sanctioned several members over alleged misconduct.

The NEC meeting was held on Tuesday in Abuja and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the schedule, the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026.

A statement issued by Ken Eluma Asogwa, media aide to Usman, said the timetable complies fully with the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

“The NEC has approved a clear and lawful roadmap for the conduct of our primaries as we prepare for the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.

The council also ratified the schedule for ward, local government, and state congresses set for March 26, 28, and 31, respectively, as well as the party’s national convention fixed for April 11, 2026.

Addressing internal party issues, NEC condemned what it described as the “unfortunate invasion” of the party’s national secretariat by hoodlums allegedly backed by rogue elements.

Following recommendations from a disciplinary committee, the council announced the suspension of 25 members over alleged indiscipline and anti-party activities.

“The NEC, after a thorough review, invoked its disciplinary powers and approved the suspension of members found complicit in acts that undermined the integrity of the party,” the statement added.

The party leadership emphasised that the move was necessary to restore order and uphold internal discipline.

In a push to modernise its operations, NEC also approved the expansion of its membership register through a hybrid system combining digital and manual registration, particularly targeting rural communities.

“This initiative is aimed at strengthening participatory democracy and ensuring transparency in party administration,” the party said.

NEC also authorised the appointment of interim officials to fill vacant positions across party structures pending the conduct of substantive congresses.

The council urged members to resolve grievances through internal mechanisms, stressing the need for unity within the party ranks.

NEC also welcomed a recent judgment of the Federal High Court affirming the leadership of Nenadi Usman as interim national chairman and passed a vote of confidence in her leadership and other key stakeholders, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

“The Council reiterates its confidence in the current leadership and calls on all members to remain committed to the ideals and progress of the party,” the statement added.