The Labour Party has unveiled its full timetable for the 2026 primary elections, outlining key dates, nomination fees, and special concessions aimed at encouraging broader participation.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, explained that the schedule aligns with constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act 2026, and the electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections.
According to the plan, the sale of nomination forms for all elective positions will run from May 6 to May 16, while submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 17 and May 18. Screening of aspirants for state assembly and governorship races will take place on May 20, followed by National Assembly and presidential aspirants on May 22. Screening results are expected on May 23.
The party has fixed May 24 for handling appeals and petitions from governorship and state assembly aspirants, while those for National Assembly and presidential hopefuls will be addressed on May 25. The final list of cleared candidates will be released on May 26.
Primaries for state assembly and governorship positions are slated for May 27, with those for National Assembly and presidential tickets holding on May 29.
Details of the nomination fees show varying costs depending on the office sought. Aspirants for state assemblies are to pay a total of ₦3 million, while those contesting for the House of Representatives will pay ₦5 million. Senate hopefuls are expected to pay ₦10 million, governorship aspirants ₦25 million, and presidential aspirants ₦50 million.
The party also announced that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will receive his nomination form at no cost, following a decision by its National Working Committee.
In line with its inclusion policy, the party granted concessions to women, persons with disabilities, and young aspirants aged between 25 and 30, requiring them to pay only for the expression of interest forms across all positions.
It further urged individuals intending to contest in the 2027 elections to complete their membership registration through its ongoing electronic registration process, which closes at midnight on May 4, ahead of submission of its updated register to the electoral commission.