To strengthen its internal structures and prepare for future elections, the Youth Party has rescheduled the timetable for its 2026 congresses and national convention, issuing comprehensive guidelines for its 2027 primary elections.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party said the decisions are part of efforts to deepen internal democracy, ensure regulatory compliance and expand participation among members nationwide.

The party also released a comprehensive timetable for its ward, local government and state congresses, culminating in its national convention scheduled for May 23, 2026.

The congresses, it said, are a critical part of its internal democratic process and will provide members across the country the opportunity to participate in electing party officials and strengthening grassroots structures ahead of future political activities.

According to the timetable, ward congresses will be held on May 16, followed by local government congresses on May 18 and state congresses on May 20, while the national convention is slated for May 23.

The sale of forms for the various congresses commenced on March 15 and will run through different closing dates depending on the level, with forms for the national convention available until May 10.

The nomination forms for party leadership positions range between N2,500 for leadership positions at the ward level to N250,000 for the national chair.

The party also outlined a structured appeals process for each stage of the congresses and convention, allowing aggrieved participants to seek redress within specified timelines.

It encouraged members to actively participate at all levels, assuring them of a transparent and inclusive exercise.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Youth Party announced that it has issued detailed guidelines for the conduct of its primary elections in line with the Electoral Act and the regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party said the sale of nomination forms began on March 2 and will close on May 20, 2026, while screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 25.

The primaries are to be held on May 29, followed by an appeals process.

In a significant departure from traditional delegate-based systems, the party said its primaries would be conducted using the One Member, One Vote (OMOV) model, thereby eliminating the use of delegates and giving all registered members the right to vote.

It added that voting would be conducted electronically through online and SMS platforms, with measures in place to ensure security, transparency and compliance with legal standards.

The process, it said, will also be monitored by candidates and INEC.

The party released a breakdown of nomination fees, with the presidential ticket pegged at N35 million and governorship forms at N14 million, while forms for Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats are fixed at N2.5 million, N1.5 million and N250,000 respectively.

To encourage broader participation, the party announced a 50 per cent reduction in nomination fees for women, persons with disabilities and youths within the ages of 40 years and below.