The Labour Party has announced its timetable and guidelines for the 2026 primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, with presidential aspirants expected to pay a total of ₦50 million for nomination and expression of interest forms.

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said the schedule was prepared in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Electoral Act 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Asogwa revealed that the party’s National Leader and Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, would receive both forms free of charge as a mark of appreciation for his contributions to the party and his performance in office.

According to the timetable, sales of nomination forms will begin on May 6 and close on May 16, while completed forms are to be submitted between May 17 and May 18.

The party also released a breakdown of fees for other elective positions. Aspirants for State House of Assembly seats are to pay ₦3 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦5 million, Senate hopefuls ₦10 million, and governorship aspirants ₦25 million.

For the presidential contest, the expression of interest form will cost ₦10 million, while the nomination form is pegged at ₦40 million, bringing the total amount to ₦50 million.

The party added that women, youths between the ages of 25 and 30, as well as persons living with disabilities, would enjoy concessions by paying only for the expression of interest forms across all categories.

“Please note that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will receive both his expression of interest and nomination forms free of charge, in recognition of his performance in office and contributions to the party’s image,” Asogwa stated.

Screening for House of Assembly and governorship aspirants has been scheduled for May 20, while National Assembly and presidential hopefuls will undergo screening on May 22. The party is expected to publish the screening results on May 23.

Appeals and petitions for state-level aspirants will be handled on May 24, while those involving National Assembly and presidential candidates are slated for May 25. The final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 26.

Primary elections for House of Assembly and governorship candidates are set for May 27, while primaries for National Assembly and presidential aspirants will take place on May 29.

The Labour Party also encouraged intending aspirants who are yet to become registered members to make use of the ongoing electronic membership registration, which will end at midnight on May 4 before the party submits its membership register to INEC.