The Labour Party has formed an eight-member screening committee to assess all aspirants seeking its tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee was announced in a public notice signed by the party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, and National Secretary, Iheanacho Obioma, in Abuja. Party officials stated that the decision aligns with the Labour Party constitution and its electoral guidelines for the 2026 primary elections, which will produce candidates for the 2027 national polls.

Usman will serve as chair of the committee, with Obioma as secretary. Other members are Oluchi Okpara, Mohammed Salisu, Martina Umana, Deborah Yusuf, Chibuzo Okereke and Olu Ayewo. The committee is tasked with screening aspirants for presidential, governorship and National Assembly positions on the party’s platform.

According to the notice, the committee’s main responsibility is to determine the eligibility of aspirants and recommend those who meet the required standards for participation in the primaries. Its work includes verifying academic and personal documents, confirming party membership status and ensuring that each aspirant meets constitutional and legal requirements for the office being sought.

The Labour Party indicated that the committee is expected to enforce compliance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Party representatives described the screening process as a measure intended to reduce post-primary disputes, minimise the risk of disqualification by electoral authorities and present the party as a disciplined and law-abiding organisation.

Under the timetable released by the party, screening for state House of Assembly and governorship aspirants is scheduled for May 20. Aspirants for the National Assembly and the presidency are to appear before the committee on May 22. Those who pass the screening will proceed to contest in the party’s primaries, where delegates and members will select the final candidates.

The Labour Party urged committee members to carry out their duties with transparency, fairness and integrity, noting that the calibre of candidates presented in 2027 is expected to influence both the party’s electoral performance and its standing with voters.