The Labour Party has waived nomination fees for Alex Otti ahead of the 2026 primaries, while fixing its presidential form at N50 million in a move that signals both reward and revenue strategy.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Ken Asogwa, unveiled a tight primary election timetable, with sales of nomination forms scheduled to run from May 6 to May 16. Completed forms are to be submitted between May 17 and May 18.
Screening of aspirants will follow swiftly, holding on May 20 for state-level positions and May 22 for national offices, including presidential hopefuls. Results are expected by May 23, with appeals slated for May 24 and May 25. The final list of cleared candidates will be published on May 26.
Primaries are fixed for May 27 for state positions and May 29 for national contests.
The party confirmed that Otti, the Abia State governor, will receive both his expression of interest and nomination forms free of charge. The decision, according to Asogwa, reflects the party’s recognition of his performance in office and the positive image it believes he has brought to the LP.
The Labour Party set its presidential expression of interest form at N10 million and the nomination form at N40 million, bringing the total cost to N50 million.
Other fees include Governorship: N25 million, Senate: N10 million, House of Representatives: N5 million, State House of Assembly: N3 million
In a bid to encourage broader participation, the party announced concessions for female aspirants, persons with disabilities, and young people aged 25 to 30. These groups will only pay for expression of interest forms across all categories.
Asogwa also urged aspirants to complete their membership registration before May 4, ahead of the submission of the party register to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The LP’s timetable and pricing structure highlight a balancing act between rewarding incumbency, raising funds, and widening participation as political activity gathers pace ahead of the next election cycle.
