The decision was reached at a statutory meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act and regulatory guidelines.
According to the approved schedule, the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026. Primaries for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly are slated for Friday, May 15, 2026, while the presidential primary will follow on May 23.
NEC also ratified the timetable for its internal congresses, with Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31 respectively, and the National Convention fixed for April 11, 2026.
Beyond electoral preparations, the Council addressed internal party challenges, including a recent invasion of its national secretariat by suspected hoodlums allegedly backed by rogue elements within the party.
After reviewing the report of its Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed, NEC approved the suspension of 25 members over alleged acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and involvement in the incident.
In a move to strengthen its structure, NEC endorsed the expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid system combining digital registration with manual processes in rural communities. The initiative is aimed at improving transparency, inclusiveness, and administrative efficiency.
The Council further empowered the party’s national leadership to fill existing vacancies across its structures through interim appointments pending the conduct of substantive congresses in line with the party constitution.
Emphasizing unity, NEC urged members to adopt internal dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing grievances, warning against actions capable of deepening divisions within the party.
The meeting also passed a vote of confidence on the interim national leadership led by Senator Nenadi Usman, whose position as Interim National Chairman was recently affirmed by a Federal High Court judgment.
Commendation was equally extended to key stakeholders, including the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
NEC also applauded INEC for its swift compliance with the court’s ruling, describing it as a step that reinforces democratic norms and institutional integrity.
The resolutions were conveyed in a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, on March 18, 2026.
