Labour Party Sets Primaries Timetable, Grants Otti Free Nomination Forms

The Labour Party has released its timetable for the 2026 primary elections, fixing 27 and 29 May for key primaries across all elective offices ahead of the 2027 polls.

In a statement issued on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary Ken Eluma Asogwa, the party said the schedule aligns with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 elections.

Sale of nomination forms will run from Wednesday, 6 May to Monday, 16 May 2026. Submission of completed forms is slated for Tuesday, 17 May to Wednesday, 18 May 2026.

Screening of aspirants for House of Assembly and governorship positions is fixed for 20 May 2026. National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be screened on 22 May 2026, with results published on 23 May.

Appeals and petitions will be heard on 24 May for House of Assembly and governorship, and on 25 May for National Assembly and presidential. The final list of cleared aspirants will be released on 26 May 2026.

Party primaries for House of Assembly and governorship are scheduled for 27 May 2026. National Assembly and presidential primaries will hold on 29 May 2026.

The party said the timeline was adopted to meet statutory obligations as parties conclude internal processes before INEC’s May 10 deadline for submission of membership registers.

“The National Working Committee will present both the Expression of Interest Form and the Nomination Form to Governor Alex Otti free of charge,” Asogwa stated.

He said the waiver is in appreciation of “the good work he is doing as a governor,” adding that his performance has “projected the party in good light.”

Describing Otti as the party’s “poster boy and star boy,” Asogwa noted that the gesture is considered a reward system to encourage him and other aspirants to “do more in attending to the needs of the people.”