The Labour Party plans to spend ₦50 million on presidential nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2026 primary elections, leading up to the general elections in 2027.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, stated that the schedule is consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable.

Asogwa stated that the party’s National Leader and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will receive both the statement of interest and nomination forms free of charge.

The sale of nomination forms will begin on May 6 and end on May 16, while the submission of completed forms is slated for May 17-18.

House of Assembly candidates will pay ₦3 million, House of Representatives ₦5 million, Senate ₦10 million, and governorship ₦25 million.

The presidential contest requires contenders to pay ₦10 million for the expression of interest form and ₦40 million for the nomination form, totalling ₦50 million.

The party has, however, granted concessions for women, adolescents aged 25 to 30, and people with impairments, who will only have to pay for expression of interest forms in 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.

The party has set May 20 for the screening of House of Assembly and governorship candidates, while National Assembly and presidential candidates will be screened May 22. The screening findings are likely to be announced on May 23.

Appeals and petitions will be heard on May 24 for state-level seats and May 25 for National Assembly and presidential contenders, with the final list of cleared candidates to be announced on May 26.

Primaries for House of Assembly and governorship positions are slated for May 27, while those for National Assembly and presidential candidates will be held on May 29.

The party also invited potential members who have yet to register to take advantage of its ongoing e-registration, which ends at midnight on May 4, ahead of the submission of its membership register to INEC.