INEC Verifies Labour Party Leadership as PDP Sets N51m Presidential Form for 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday visited the national secretariat of the Labour Party (LP) led by Senator Nenadi Usman to verify its leadership structure, membership records, and official documentation.

The verification team, headed by Mansur Hassan, explained that the exercise was part of INEC’s routine monitoring to ensure political parties comply with regulatory requirements. He stressed that the team was not on an observational visit but a monitoring mission aimed at confirming the party’s physical structure, executive composition, and alignment with INEC records.

According to Hassan, the team inspected documents relating to the party’s secretariat, including tenancy agreements and proof of occupancy. He added that the commission would also review the composition of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in line with its constitution, as well as request a soft copy of its membership register and verify staff presence at the office.

Meanwhile, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections. The document outlines key processes, including the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, conduct of primaries, and submission of candidates to INEC.

The timetable indicates that the PDP began by submitting its membership register to INEC on April 21, 2026, and notified the commission of its primaries on April 22. The sale of nomination forms is scheduled to run from April 27 to May 4, while completed forms must be submitted by May 9.

Screening of aspirants for all elective positions will take place on May 11, with appeals slated for May 12. The party’s presidential primary is fixed for May 17 and 18. Primaries for the House of Representatives and Senate will hold on May 21 and 23 respectively, while House of Assembly primaries are set for May 25. Governorship primaries are scheduled for May 27, with all appeals to be concluded by May 30.

In terms of fees, presidential aspirants are required to pay N1 million for the expression of interest form and N50 million for the nomination form, bringing the total to N51 million. Governorship aspirants will pay N21 million, senatorial aspirants N6 million, House of Representatives aspirants N4 million, and House of Assembly aspirants N3 million.

However, the party announced a waiver on nomination fees for female aspirants across all positions. Women will only be required to pay for the expression of interest forms, a move aimed at encouraging greater female participation in the electoral process.