The Labour Party has officially announced the formation of an eight-person committee tasked with screening candidates vying for various positions in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This development was confirmed in a statement signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and National Secretary, Iheanacho Obioma, which was released to journalists in Abuja on Friday.
According to the statement, the committee was established under the provisions of Articles 20(1B)(d), 20(2)(d), and 27 of the party’s constitution, alongside the electoral guidelines governing primaries scheduled for 2026. Senator Nenadi Usman will lead the screening panel, which includes Mrs. Oluchi Okpara, Mohammed Salisu, Mrs. Martina Umana, Mrs. Deborah Yusuf, Chibuzo Okereke, and Dr. Olu Ayewo. Iheanacho Obioma will serve as the committee’s secretary.
The primary mandate of the committee is to oversee the screening of all aspirants seeking nomination for presidential, governorship, and National Assembly seats. Additionally, the panel is responsible for evaluating and recommending qualified candidates for the primaries. Its terms of reference also include verifying the authenticity and completeness of submitted documents, ensuring compliance with statutory and party eligibility criteria, and adhering to guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The committee’s work is expected to be guided strictly by the party’s constitution, its 2026 electoral guidelines, and the Electoral Act of 2026. This move marks a critical step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, aiming to ensure a transparent and credible candidate selection process.