Members of the Labour Party in Nasarawa State loyal to the Nenadi Usman-led administration have elected a new chairman to pilot the affairs of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a press conference in Lafia, the state capital, on Tuesday, the newly elected chairman, Asoloko Maku, described the recently concluded party congresses as a testament that the Labour Party in Nasarawa State remains united, resilient and ready for action.

He noted that despite the “noise” from detractors, the party had demonstrated that its principles were anchored on democracy and the rule of law.

Maku said, “I am honoured and privileged to address the press today, not just as the Chairman of the Labour Party in Nasarawa State, but as a humble servant and a messenger of hope.

“I accepted the mandate with a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that the confidence reposed in me is a call to duty. I thank Almighty God for this day. I also thank the 13 Local Government chairmen and secretaries present here, who were duly elected during our peaceful congresses.”

He pledged to run an inclusive administration focused on grassroots mobilisation and party unity.

“As your chairman, I pledge leadership that is transparent, inclusive and committed to the grassroots. I reach out to all members, including those with differing views, to join hands with us. The goal is 2027, and we can only succeed together. We are not just a political party; we are a movement for social justice,” he said.

The newly elected chairman assured members that his administration would focus on social democracy and ensure that the resources of Nasarawa State benefit all residents, not just a privileged few.

Maku also urged party members to remain focused and not be distracted by external factors, noting that legal disputes within the party had been resolved.

According to him, court judgments delivered between 2025 and 2026 resolved the leadership tussles within the party and affirmed the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman.

“The Supreme Court verdict of April 4, 2025, overturned previous decisions that gave legal recognition to Barrister Julius Abure, nullifying the convention that purportedly returned him.

“The Federal High Court ruling of January 21, 2026, confirmed the expiration of Abure’s tenure and removed him as National Chairman, directing INEC to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee.

“The Court of Appeal judgment of April 21, 2026, unanimously dismissed Abure’s appeal, affirmed Senator Usman as the legitimate leader and awarded N10 million in costs against him,” he said.

Maku added that the Labour Party would continue to champion the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“We will continue to stand for the dignity of workers, the welfare of the ordinary farmer in Doma, the trader in Mararaba and the youth in Akwanga. We are here to bring a peaceful political revolution that replaces injustice with equity,” he said.

He stressed the need for the party to begin preparations for the 2027 elections immediately.

“The road to the 2027 elections is here, and we must begin preparations immediately. We will rebuild trust, strengthen our party structures and ensure that every vote cast is protected.

“This is a call to action for all Labour Party stakeholders in the state. The time for fighting is over; the time for work is here. Let us join hands to provide a better alternative for our people,” he added.

Maku further said the party was determined to win elective positions across the state and the country.

“In conclusion, the journey to Aso Rock, Government House, the National Assembly and the State Assembly begins today. Let us work with dedication, honesty, integrity and love. The people of Nasarawa State are waiting for leadership, and the Labour Party is ready to provide that alternative,” he added.

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday released the schedule for the conduct of its primary elections, with presidential hopefuls expected to pay N60m to secure their Nomination and Expression of Interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

Cleopas announced that the sale of forms will commence from May 13 to May 18 as the basic step to its internal electoral process ahead of the next general elections.

The party also advised aspirants to attend the planned screening exercise with their relevant credentials and supporting documents.

The statement read, “The sale of nomination forms will commence immediately after the screening exercise from Thursday, May 21 to Saturday, May 23, 2026, while completed forms must be submitted on or before Monday, May 25.

“Appeals arising from the screening process will be entertained on May 25 and 26, while primary elections for various elective offices are scheduled to be held on May 27 and 28, 2026.

“The presidential primary election is slated for May 29, 2026, in Abuja.”

Continuing, Cleopas clarified that aspirants who seek tickets for state Houses of Assembly would be screened in their respective states, while screening for National Assembly and presidential aspirants would take place at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, every aspirant will be required to sign an undertaking in line with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct.

He said, “The party also announced that it would adopt the ‘open secret ballot’ system for its primaries to guarantee credibility, fairness, and internal democracy.”

An open ballot system is a voting method in which voters vote openly, in contrast to a secret ballot, where a voter’s choices are confidential.

The NDC argued that its approved nomination fees remain among the lowest when compared with those charged by other major political parties in the country.

Under the approved fee structure, aspirants for the state Houses of Assembly are expected to pay N2.5m for both the expression of interest and nomination forms, while those for the House of Representatives will pay N6m.

In the Senate category, aspirants are to pay N8m for both forms, while governorship hopefuls will pay N30m.

“For the presidency, aspirants will pay N20m for the expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination, bringing the total cost to N60m.

“Meanwhile, female aspirants and persons living with disability are to pay 50 per cent and 25 per cent of the fees across all categories.

“The party reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible primary election process capable of producing competent candidates for the 2027 general elections,” Cleopas added.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may formally declare his presidential ambition during a rally billed for the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday.

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026,” is expected to serve as the official launch of Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in the state.

Aside from declaring his presidential bid, Makinde is also expected to unveil aspirants seeking state and national elective positions on the platform of the APM.

Recall that there was a wave of resignations by political officeholders in the state, especially those seeking positions in the 2027 elections, from the PDP to the APM.

Among those expected to be unveiled on the APM platform are former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as the party’s governorship candidate; Stanley Olajide, Olufemi Ajadi and Shina Peller as senatorial candidates.

House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates of the party are also expected to be unveiled.

The declaration rally is expected to be preceded by the signing of an agreement between leaders of the APM and the Taminu Turaki faction of the PDP on the terms of the alliance.

A credible PDP source said, “We will sign forms of alliance with APM, involving its national chairman and our own side, led by Taminu Turaki.

“Governor Seyi Makinde will declare his presidential bid on the platform of the APM.”

Ahead of Thursday’s rally, preparations have intensified, with party leaders from both camps expected to begin arriving in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Another source said, “The May 14 rally is expected to attract political stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders, traditional supporters and allies from across the country, particularly individuals believed to align with Governor Makinde’s leadership style and political vision.

“Although the governor is yet to make an official public statement regarding his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, support groups and political associates have continued to intensify calls for him to join the race.

“Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of the governor are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.”

The sources added that the moves formed part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots structures across the state and beyond while consolidating Makinde’s growing influence within the national political space.

Recall that Makinde, following a January 2026 meeting with President Bola Tinubu, reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, advocated for a “bipartisan approach” to governance in Nigeria’s national interest, particularly on issues like security and poverty.

He stressed that bipartisanship does not mean defecting to the All Progressives Congress.