Interim LP Chairman Pushes For Stronger Internal Party Structure

The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has called for stronger internal party structure and greater vigilance by political actors as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general election under the newly amended Electoral Act 2026.

Senator Usman made the call in Abuja while Speaking at a citizens’ townhall themed “Electoral Act 2026: What It Means for Your Vote and the 2027 Elections.”

Senator Usman said the recent amendments to the law had generated public debate, particularly the proviso to Section 60(3), which allows a fallback to Form EC8A in cases of electronic transmission failure, and Section 84(2), which mandates direct primaries or consensus for candidate nominations.

On electronic transmission of results, the Labour Party chairman commended lawmakers for retaining the use of technology but noted that concerns over the fallback provision had been overstated.

She emphasized that Form EC8A remains the primary source document at polling units and must be countersigned by party agents where available.

According to her, the responsibility rests on political parties to deploy trained and vigilant agents across the country’s polling units to safeguard votes and ensure accurate documentation, stressing that the IReV portal is primarily for viewing and record-keeping rather than collation.

Reflecting on lessons from the last presidential election, Senator Usman said the Labour Party had recognized gaps in agent deployment and documentation, which affected its ability to substantiate certain claims.

She stressed that the party is strengthening its grassroots structure to ensure effective coverage of polling units nationwide ahead of 2027, maintaining that electoral success depends largely on party preparedness rather than reliance solely on institutional mechanisms.

On candidate selection, she observed that both direct and indirect primaries have merits and challenges.

While the amended law prescribes direct primaries or consensus, she advised political parties to carefully design guidelines that promote internal democracy and fairness.

She added that aggrieved stakeholders have the constitutional right to seek judicial redress.

Senator Usman urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process, noting that credible elections depend on the collective resolve of citizens, political parties, and institutions to uphold the rule of law.

She reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to strengthening its internal processes, presenting credible candidates, and participating fully in the 2027 elections.

Senator Usman expressed confidence that with commitment from all stakeholders, the existing legal framework can deliver transparent and credible polls.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji