By Mercy Peter
The National Leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its approved timetable for the 2026 elective ward, local government, and state congresses, alongside its national convention.
In a correspondence addressed to the Director of Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) at INEC headquarters in Abuja, the party said the notification was in compliance with relevant legal provisions guiding political party activities in Nigeria.
The letter cited Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, and Sections 223(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandate political parties to duly inform the electoral umpire of their congresses, conventions, and meetings.
According to the party, the new schedule follows an earlier postponement of its internal electoral activities. The Labour Party explained that the delay was necessary to ensure broader participation of its members nationwide, particularly to allow for the completion of its ongoing digital membership registration exercise.
“The Party, in an earlier correspondence duly acknowledged, notified the Commission of the postponement of its previously scheduled activities to enable broader participation of members,” the letter stated.
With the updated timetable now approved, the party said it is set to proceed with the conduct of its elective congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels, culminating in a national convention expected to shape its leadership structure ahead of future political engagements.
The Labour Party leadership further requested that INEC acknowledge receipt of the notification and communicate the development to its state offices to facilitate effective monitoring of the exercises.
INEC is constitutionally mandated to observe and monitor political party congresses and conventions to ensure compliance with democratic principles and internal party regulations.
The correspondence was jointly signed by the party’s Caretaker National Chairman, Nenadi Esther Usman, and Caretaker National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, who reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democratic development and due process.
