LP waives nomination fees for Otti, fixes presidential form at N50m

The Labour Party (LP) has granted a waiver to the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, exempting him from paying for expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the 2026 governorship primaries, while pegging its presidential nomination form at N50 million.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the LP unveiled its timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming primaries.

According to the statement, the sale of nomination forms will commence on May 6 and close on May 16, while submission of completed forms is slated for May 17 to May 18.

Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 20 for House of Assembly and governorship positions, and May 22 for National Assembly and presidential aspirants. Results of the screening exercise are expected to be published on May 23.

The party added that appeals and petitions arising from the screening will be entertained on May 24 for state positions and May 25 for national offices, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 26.

Primaries for House of Assembly and governorship aspirants will hold on May 27, while those for National Assembly and presidential aspirants are fixed for May 29.

On the cost of forms, the party disclosed that the presidential expression of interest form is pegged at N10 million, while the nomination form costs N40 million, bringing the total to N50 million.

Governorship aspirants are to pay N25 million, Senate aspirants N10 million, House of Representatives N5 million, and State House of Assembly aspirants N3 million.

However, the party said Governor Otti would not be required to pay any fee, describing the gesture as a mark of appreciation for his performance in office and his role in projecting the party positively.

The LP also announced concessions for female aspirants, persons with disabilities, and youths aged between 25 and 30, who are only required to purchase expression of interest forms across all categories.

The party urged all prospective aspirants to complete their membership registration before the May 4 deadline, ahead of submission of its register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).