The Labour Party has officially unveiled its detailed timetable, schedule of activities, and nomination fees for the 2026 primary elections ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The announcement aligns with provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the party, the schedule is designed to ensure a transparent, organized, and credible primary election process across all elective positions.
The sale of nomination forms is set to begin on May 6, 2026, and will close on May 16, 2026. Aspirants are expected to submit completed forms between May 17 and May 18, 2026.
Screening of aspirants will follow shortly after. Candidates for State House of Assembly and governorship positions will be screened on May 20, while those contesting National Assembly and presidential positions will undergo screening on May 22. The results of the screening exercise will be released on May 23, 2026.
The party has also outlined a process for appeals and petitions. Governorship and State Assembly aspirants can submit appeals on May 24, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will do so on May 25. The final list of cleared candidates will be published on May 26, 2026.
Primary elections are scheduled to take place on May 27 for State Assembly and governorship positions, while National Assembly and presidential primaries will be held on May 29, 2026.
In terms of fees, the Labour Party provided a structured breakdown for all categories. Aspirants for State House of Assembly seats are required to pay a total of ₦3 million. Those contesting for the House of Representatives will pay ₦5 million, while Senate aspirants are expected to pay ₦10 million.
Governorship hopefuls will pay ₦25 million, and presidential aspirants will pay ₦50 million in total.
In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity, the party announced concessions for women, persons living with disabilities, and young aspirants between the ages of 25 and 30. These groups will only be required to purchase the Expression of Interest forms, significantly reducing the financial burden of participation.
The party further encouraged all interested aspirants who are not yet members to complete their registration through its ongoing e-registration exercise. The registration window, which began on May 3, will close at midnight on May 4, 2026. This is to ensure compliance with INEC requirements for submission of the party’s membership register.
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The statement was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, on May 3, 2026.
