The Labour Party has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission of its schedule for the 2026 elective congresses and national convention, with April 28 fixed for the decisive gathering at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Abia State.
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This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Interim National Chairman.
In a letter dated March 31, 2026, and addressed to the INEC Chairman, the party outlined a comprehensive timetable for its ward, local government area, and state congresses, culminating in the national convention where new national executives are expected to emerge.
The notification stated that the exercise is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), INEC guidelines, and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The letter read: “We write to formally notify the Commission of the approved schedule of activities for the Labour Party’s 2026 elective ward, local government area, and state congresses, as well as the national convention.”
“This notification is made pursuant to the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, and Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which mandate political parties to duly inform the Commission of their congresses, conventions, and meetings.”
The party noted that it had earlier informed INEC of the postponement of its previously scheduled activities.
“The Commission may kindly recall that 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, particularly to allow for the completion of the ongoing digital membership registration process,” the statement added.
According to the timetable released by the party:
- Ward Congresses: April 23, 2026 — to be held across all wards nationwide, commencing at 12 noon
- Local Government Congresses: April 24, 2026 — to be held across all local government areas nationwide
- State Congresses: April 25, 2026 — to be held in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
- National Convention: April 28, 2026 — to be held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State
All exercises are scheduled to commence at 12 noon.
The fresh timetable comes barely two weeks after the party postponed its earlier schedule and constituted a committee to oversee the exercise.
The Labour Party had initially fixed its ward, local government, and state congresses, as well as its national convention, to begin on March 26, 2026, but later shifted the dates to allow wider participation in its ongoing membership re-registration exercise.
In March, the party had postponed its national convention originally scheduled for April 11, 2026, and inaugurated a 45-member committee to oversee both the congresses and the convention to ensure a “seamless and credible process.”
The Labour Party’s formal notification to INEC signals a reset of the party’s internal processes amid heightened interest in the control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Unlike the African Democratic Congress, which is embroiled in a leadership crisis that has led INEC to withhold recognition of any faction, the Labour Party appears to be following the established legal procedures for conducting congresses and conventions.
The party’s citation of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, INEC Regulations, and Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution demonstrates an awareness of the legal requirements for valid party activities — a contrast to the challenges facing other opposition parties.
The choice of Umuahia, Abia State, as the venue for the national convention is significant, given that the South-East region has been a stronghold of the party’s support base since the 2023 elections.
Observers say the outcome of the congresses could reshape the balance of power within the party and determine its direction ahead of 2027.
The completion of the digital membership registration process, which the party cited as the reason for the postponement, suggests efforts to ensure that only verified members participate in the elective exercises — potentially reducing the risk of disputes over delegate eligibility.
For the Labour Party, successfully conducting transparent and legally compliant congresses will be crucial to presenting itself as a credible alternative to the ruling APC and the crisis-ridden PDP and ADC ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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