The Labour Party on Sunday released its timetable for the 2026 primary elections, setting its presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at a combined ₦50 million and granting a free ticket to Abia State Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party, through its National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa, said the schedule follows the country’s legal framework and the election timetable issued by the electoral body. It explained that the sale of forms will begin on May 6 and end on May 16, while submission of completed forms will take place from May 17 to May 18.
According to the details released, aspirants for the State House of Assembly will pay ₦3 million, House of Representatives ₦5 million, Senate ₦10 million, and governorship ₦25 million. For the presidential race, the party fixed ₦10 million for the expression of interest form and ₦40 million for the nomination form, bringing the total to ₦50 million.
The party also introduced concessions for certain groups. Women, young aspirants between 25 and 30 years, and persons living with disabilities are only required to pay for the expression of interest forms across all positions. In addition, Governor Otti will not pay for either form, a decision the party linked to his role and contributions.
The timetable shows that screening for House of Assembly and governorship aspirants will hold on May 20, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be screened on May 22. The party plans to release screening results on May 23, followed by appeals on May 24 for state positions and May 25 for federal positions. The final list of cleared aspirants is expected on May 26.
Primary elections for House of Assembly and governorship positions are scheduled for May 27, while those for National Assembly and presidential positions will take place on May 29.
The party also called on those interested in contesting who are not yet members to complete their registration before the deadline, as it prepares to submit its membership register to the electoral commission.