The Labour Party (LP) has announced its official timetable for the 2026 primaries, fixing the presidential nomination package at ₦50 million while granting Abia State Governor Alex Otti free access to both expression of interest and nomination forms for his re-election bid.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Ken Asogwa, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, outlining key dates and financial requirements for aspirants across all levels of elective offices.
According to the schedule, the sale of nomination forms will begin on May 6 and close on May 16, while completed forms are expected to be submitted between May 17 and May 18.
Screening of aspirants will follow, with governorship and state assembly candidates scheduled for May 20, and national assembly and presidential aspirants on May 22. The results of the screening will be released on May 23.
The party added that appeals and petitions will be handled on May 24 for state-level candidates and May 25 for national positions, with the final list of cleared aspirants expected on May 26.
Primaries for state houses of assembly and governorship tickets are fixed for May 27, while national assembly and presidential primaries will hold on May 29.
In terms of fees, the party pegged the presidential expression of interest form at ₦10 million and the nomination form at ₦40 million, bringing the total to ₦50 million. Governorship aspirants will pay ₦25 million, while senatorial, House of Representatives, and state assembly forms cost ₦10 million, ₦5 million, and ₦3 million respectively.
However, the party made a notable exception for Governor Alex Otti, stating that he will not pay for any of the forms in recognition of his performance in office.
“His Excellency Alex Otti shall be presented both his Expression of Interest Form and the Nomination Form free by the NWC of the party,” the statement read.
The party said the gesture was in appreciation of his governance record, which it claimed has positively elevated the Labour Party’s public image.
LP also introduced concessionary terms for specific groups, stating that female aspirants, persons with disabilities, and youths aged 25 to 30 will only pay for expression of interest forms across all categories.
The party urged all prospective aspirants to complete their membership registration before May 4, ahead of the submission of its official register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The development signals the start of early political positioning within the Labour Party as it prepares for the 2026 primaries and the broader 2027 election cycle.
