Abbo joins LP, eyes guber seat as Otti declares party’s crisis over
Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have released the timetables and schedules of activities for the conduct of their primary elections, setting the stage for what is expected to be an intense round of intra-party contests countrywide.

While LP pegged its prudential nomination forms at N50 million, the ADC insisted on N100 million.

LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, made the announcement in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

ADC, which will commence sales of nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 general elections tomorrow, also pegged its governorship at N50 million, Senate N20 million, House of Representatives N10 million and N3 million for the House of Assembly.

Meanwhile, former senator representing Adamawa North (2019–2023), Ishaku Abbo, has defected to LP from ADC, as Governor Alex Otti of Abia State declared the crisis in the party was over.

According to the LP timetable, nomination forms for all elective positions will be available for sale from May 6 to May 16, 2026. Completed forms will be submitted on May 17 and 18.

The party fixed May 20 for the screening of aspirants vying for House of Assembly and governorship positions, while those contesting National Assembly and presidential tickets will be screened on May 22. The results of the screening exercise are expected to be published on May 23.

LP also outlined a brief window for appeals and petitions: governorship and state assembly aspirants are expected to file complaints on May 24, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will do so on May 25. The final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 26, paving the way for the party primaries.

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

The staggered arrangement, according to insiders, is designed to ensure administrative efficiency and reduce logistical bottlenecks.

In a notable exception, Governor Otti will receive his nomination form for governorship free of charge, a decision approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).

The party, however, introduced concessions to encourage inclusivity.

Women, persons with disabilities, and youths aged 25 to 30 will only be required to pay for the expression of interest forms across all categories, significantly reducing the financial burden on these groups.

It urged all prospective members who had yet to register to take advantage of its ongoing e-registration exercise, which commenced on May 3 and will close at midnight on May 4, 2026.

For the ADC, the governorship form is N50 million, the Senate N20 million, the House of Representatives N10 million and N3 million for the House of Assembly.

According to the timetable cited by The Guardian, women and people with disabilities will pay 25 per cent of the amount specified for every position they wish to contest.

The document also stated that while the sale of forms will close on May 10, 2026, completed forms will be submitted on May 11 and 13, 2026.

Screening of aspirants is slated for May 14 and 15, 2026, while the names of screened aspirants will be published on May 17. Appeals will be heard on 18 and 19, the final list of cleared aspirants will be published on May 20 while the special national convention will hold on May 27, 2026.

Abbo, who joined the ADC last year, announced about two weeks ago that he was leaving the party, citing persistent leadership crises.

He had earlier hinted on plans to align with another platform before confirming yesterday that he had settled for LP.

The former senator said he joined the LP alongside his supporters to advance his political ambitions, particularly his intention to contest the 2027 Adamawa governorship election.