Labour Party Moves to Stabilise Ranks, Announces Primary Dates and Leadership Backing
By Matthew Eloyi
Amid efforts to strengthen internal cohesion and prepare for the 2027 general elections, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party has unveiled a detailed schedule for its primaries, fixing May 23 for its presidential contest.
The development was disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday by the Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, following a statutory NEC meeting monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Beyond setting the electoral timetable, NEC used the meeting to address internal challenges, ratify recent party activities and reinforce confidence in its leadership structure.
According to Asogwa, governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries will hold on May 15, while the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15 in line with the Electoral Act and regulatory guidelines. The national convention has been slated for April 11.
He added that NEC endorsed the conduct of ward, local government and state congresses earlier scheduled for March 26, March 28 and March 31, respectively.
“The council, which remains the highest decision-making organ of the party after the national convention, reviewed recent developments within the party.
“This included the recent unfortunate invasion of the party secretariat by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by certain rogue elements,” he said.
In a move to enforce discipline, Asogwa said the Board of Trustees (BOT), after considering recommendations from the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee chaired by Salisu Mohammed, approved the suspension of some members.
He noted that those affected were sanctioned for alleged indiscipline, anti-party activities and involvement in the desecration of the party’s national secretariat.
“NEC further ratified and approved the ongoing expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid approach – Digital Membership Registration (e-registration) – alongside manual registration in rural communities.
“This initiative is aimed at modernising the party’s database, strengthening participatory democracy and enhancing transparency and efficiency in party administration, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026,” he said.
Asogwa further stated that NEC resolved to fill vacant positions within party structures through interim appointments to ensure continuity in governance.
“The national leadership has been duly empowered to make such appointments, which will remain in acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses in accordance with the party constitution and approved timetable.
“The council also urged members to utilise the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address grievances, thereby promoting unity and minimising internal conflicts.
“Finally, NEC welcomed the recent judgment of the Federal High Court affirming the leadership of Sen. Nenadi Usman as Interim National Chairman.
“The council passed a vote of confidence in her leadership, the Interim National Working Committee, the BOT, leadership of the NLC, leadership of the TUC and the leadership of Gov. Alex Otti,” he said.
Asogwa also commended INEC for its prompt compliance with the court pronouncement.
