This is contained in a communiqué issued on Friday in Awka, after the committee’s meeting.

The committee lauded the National Assembly for the Act’s prompt passage and President Bola Tinubu for assenting to it.

It said the law would “enhance the electoral process” and strengthen preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The NWC praised innovations, including provisions on party primaries and digitised membership databases, describing them as “consistent with global best practices”.

It added the reforms would support internal party democracy and improve transparency within political parties.

However, the committee urged INEC to align its 2027 election timetable with provisions of the new law.

On party affairs, the NWC acknowledged challenges in the electronic membership revalidation exercise but assured members of prompt resolution.

It called on members and prospective members to take advantage of the ongoing registration process.

The committee congratulated Anambra Governor and APGA National Leader, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on his second-term inauguration.

It attributed the party’s electoral success in the state to his “developmental strides”.

In a major decision, the NWC approved the immediate dissolution of the FCT Working Committee and all local and ward executives.

It said a caretaker committee would be constituted in line with the party’s constitution after due notification to INEC.

As part of preparations for 2027, the NWC approved stakeholders’ conferences across the six geo-political zones.
It mandated zonal vice chairmen to coordinate the exercise.

The committee also ratified the timetable and guidelines for the party’s 2026 primary elections.

On national issues, it expressed concern over rising insecurity and urged the President to intensify efforts to curb the menace.

It commended security agencies, including the Police and Armed Forces, for their efforts, especially in northern regions.
The NWC backed Senate leadership under Sen. Godswill Akpabio, citing its “defence of constitutional order” over Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe’s defection.

It called for the invocation of relevant constitutional provisions on the matter.
The committee urged party officials to maintain discipline and adhere strictly to the party’s constitution.

It warned that sanctions would be imposed on violators during the primaries.

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This is contained in a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signed by the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman and released to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to Usman, the letter is to notify the Commission of the approved schedule of activities for the Labour Party 2026 Elective Ward, Local Government Area (LGA), and State Congresses, as well as the National Convention.

She said the letter was in pursuant to the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended);

The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, and Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The interim national chairman said the section mandated political parties to duly inform the commission of their congresses, conventions, and meetings.

“The Commission may kindly recall that the Party, in an earlier correspondence duly acknowledged, notified the Commission of the postponement of its previously scheduled activities to enable broader participation of members.

“Particularly, to allow for the completion of the ongoing digital membership registration process.

“Accordingly, the party has now approved a new timetable for the conduct of its Elective Congresses and National Convention.

Usman said the conduct of ward congresses will hold on April 23, local government congresses April 24 and state congresses, April 25 respectively.

“While the national convention has been scheduled for April 28 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia.”

She urged the Commission to draw the attention of its state offices to the notice to enable effective and seamless monitoring of the congresses and convention in line with its constitutional and statutory mandate.

Usman assured of the party’s continued commitment to the democratic development of Nigeria.

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Umahi made the call on Thursday in Enugu while inaugurating completed portions of the Enugu–Onitsha federal highway.

The minister charged the ‘zone’s political leader’, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, to galvanise the vocal support.

“All the governors of the zone are supporting the president but we have to take the support down to the people.

“They have to be enlightened on Tnubu’s great works for us and when we appreciate what he has done he will do more.

“No matter what is being said about me, especially on the social media, my mouth will not close in propagating the president’s good works,,” he said.

He said that the people should be grateful to Tinubu because he had solved the hitherto problem of marginalistion faced by the zone.

“This is the first time we are having the minister of works position and two consecutive Service Chief position.

“I thank our people for their support over rumours of my resignation as minister to contest for the Senate.

“This shows they understand the importance of being the works minister and I want them to extend such to Tinubu,” he said.

Umahi urged southeast people to be strategic in voting during the 2027 elections, noting that no fewer than 80 per cent of their votes should be for Tinubu.

“The presidency is not given by foul languages and mere talks but strategic engagement to be in the political reckoning.

“When we presently support a south westerner, the people will support us when it is our turn to be president.

“Tinubu has intervened in several infrastructural projects and human uplifting policies across the southeast zone,” he said.

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The directive is contained in an internal memo dated March 2, signed by Secretary to the Commission, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and addressed to all resident electoral commissioners.

According to the document, the decision to conduct the exercise stems from the need for a “credible voter register,” a topic extensively discussed during the commission’s strategic retreat held in Lagos earlier in the year.

The memo indicated that the revalidation exercise would follow a hybrid model, allowing citizens to participate both online and at designated physical centres.

It said that the physical centre would be established at the local government areas, registration areas and polling units across the country.

To facilitate the process, the memo stated that the commission would deploy INEC Voter Enrollment Devices (IVEDs), with two IVEDs stationed at each local government level, while one device will be assigned to each registration area and polling unit.

The exercise will be manned by a combination of INEC staff members and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with two personnel assigned to each enrollment device.

The memo included a detailed timeline for the exercise, which is already underway in its preparatory stages, including voter education and publicity, currently ongoing, having commenced on March 1 and scheduled to run till June 5.

The first phase of physical revalidation at the local government area level is slated to begin on April 13 and end on May 2.

The fieldwork is also scheduled to move to registration areas from May 5 to May 11, and to polling units from May 13 to May 19.

According to the schedule of activities, the printing of permanent voter cards (PVCs) for newly-registered voters will hold between June 4 and July 3, while PVC collection at the registration area level is scheduled for Nov. 18 to Nov. 24.

The timeline also shows that there will be generation of PDF register for revalidated voters for 14 days, starting from June 15; printing of display register for 14 days between July 7 and July 20, while the register will be displayed at registration area level from Aug. 18 to Aug. 24.

The final register of voters for the 2027 general elections will be published and presented on Dec. 15.

This will be followed by the presidential and national assembly elections on Jan. 16, 2027 as well as the governorship and state houses of assembly elections on Feb. 6, 2027.

Oriaran-Anthony urged resident electoral commissioners to commence necessary preparations, including the sourcing of personnel and the configuration of enrollment devices, to ensure a seamless exercise.

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Ojelabi stated this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, following the successful conduct of the party’s National Convention, which produced officers across its various organs.

According to him, with the convention concluded, the party’s attention has shifted to the process of selecting candidates for the next general elections.

Ojelabi stressed that all positions are open for contest, adding that the party would not impose candidates on members.

“Now that the convention is over, our main focus is the process of electing the candidates who will fly our party’s flag in the next election.

“I wish to state categorically that all the available positions are open for contest, as the party has no anointed candidate for any seat.

“We, therefore, encourage all members who wish to contest any of the positions to do so in accordance with the law,” he said.

The chairman noted that the exercise would be conducted in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant electoral laws.

“As usual, this will be done in strict compliance with the INEC timetable and in accordance with the 2026 Electoral Act (as amended) and other laws governing elections,” he said.

Ojelabi disclosed that the party would adopt direct primaries as its primary mode of selecting candidates, while also allowing for consensus arrangements where applicable.

“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the party will adopt direct primaries as the first option for electing our candidates.

“However, consensus arrangements will also be encouraged where possible, provided such agreements are freely reached and popularly accepted by all interests,” he added.

The APC chairman, however, warned that nomination and administrative fees paid by aspirants would not be refunded.

Ojelabi assured members of a level playing field, noting that the party remained committed to internal democracy and transparency.

He added that the party would promote inclusivity by encouraging female participation in the process.

“As a progressive party, we will give all members a level-playing field to contest the positions of their choice in a free, fair and transparent manner.

“Furthermore, in line with our party’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity, special consideration will be given to popular and influential female aspirants, in relevant constituencies,” he said.

Ojelabi urged members to conduct themselves with discipline and respect, while awaiting official guidelines from the party’s national leadership.

“While we await the official guidelines on the primaries from our national body, we urge all members to conduct themselves with decorum, discipline and mutual respect,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that politicking and struggles for the party tickets for various elective positions had started in the state, ahead of the primary elections.

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Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling, rather ordered the plaintiffs in the suit to put Kingibe, who currently represents the FCT at the Senate, on notice to show cause why the reliefs sought should not be granted.

Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the matter until May 20 for hearing of all pending applications, including a preliminary objection filed by counsel to the lawmaker, Marshall Abubakar.

Our correspondent reports that two executive members of ADC in Wuse Ward, Abuja had sued Kingibe as sole defendant.

The plaintiffs; Mr Okezuo Kanayo, Chairman of ADC, Wuse Ward, and his Secretary, Mr Isaiah Sameul, had filed the ex-parte motion through their lawyer, Kolawole Olowookere, SAN.

In the motion, dated March 17 and filed same date, the plaintiffs sought three reliefs.

They prayed the court for an order of interim injunction restraining the defendant from parading herself as a member of ADC pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed in this suit.

They sought an order of interim injunction restraining Kingibe from performing any functions, attending meetings, or participating in any activities reserved for ADC’s members representing the party in any capacity whatsoever, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The plaintiffs also sought an order of interim injunction restraining the senator from further interfering with the administration of the Wuse Ward Executive Committee of ADC, ward membership register and other official documents, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

in their seven grounds of argument, their lawyer submitted that Kingibe, though a sitting senator, is first a member of ADC and is bound by the party’s constitution.

He said following substantiated allegations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and the physical confiscation of the ward’s statutory records, the Wuse Ward Executive Committee, on March 10 suspended her.

According to Olowookere, the suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC Constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive committee.

The lawyer said despite the communication of the suspension, Kingibe had continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as an ADC member, and utilise her security detail to intimidate the ward executives, thereby creating a state of anarchy.

“There is a real and imminent danger that the plaintiffs/applicants’ right to maintain party discipline and the status quo will be overreached and rendered nugatory unless this court intervenes.

“The defendant/respondent’s actions constitute a flagrant disregard for the internal dispute resolution and disciplinary mechanisms of the party,” he said.

Olowookere argued that it would be just and convenient for the court to intervene to preserve the res and the status quo ante bellum.

But in her notice of preliminary objection to the suit filed by Abubakar, the lawmaker equally sought three reliefs.

Kingibe sought an order that the court had no jurisdiction to hear or try the case.

She also sought “an order striking out this suit for want of Jurisdiction.”

The senator equally urged the court for am order directing the plaintiffs’ counsel and/or the plaintiffs to pay the sum of N10 million only as cost of the suit in compliance with the provision of Section 83 (5), (6)(b) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Ruling, Justice Lifu said having carefully considered the motion ex-parte, the court hereby exercised its discretion in favour of the defendant.

The judge, who ordered that Kingibe should be put on notice, adjourned the matter until May 20 for hearing of all pending applications.

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The commission also disclosed that it will cease all dealings with any faction of the party pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the court resolved to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute within ADC.

This according to him is in compliance with the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors.

He said that the decision was taken, after a careful review of the Court of Appeal’s judgment delivered on March 12 and the ongoing case before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to Haruna, INEC had earlier received separate letters dated March 16 from two law firms representing different interests in the party.

He noted that Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., writing on behalf of concerned stakeholders within the ADC, cautioned the Commission against recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as Acting National Chairman while the matter remains before the Federal High Court.

He said that on the other hand, Summit Law Chambers, acting for Gombe, urged the commission to enforce the Court of Appeal’s judgment by ceasing recognition of Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.

He recalled that the letter also sought the removal of Mark group’s names from INEC’s portal and refraining from dealing with them.

He further noted that in another letter dated March 27, Summit Law Chambers alleged that INEC had disobeyed the Court of Appeal’s orders by inviting Mark’s group to a political parties’ meeting and by monitoring a purported National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by the group.

Haruna recalled that in its judgment, the Court of Appeal dismissed the interlocutory appeal filed by Mark and directed that the parties must maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court.

He added that the court also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case in view of the Electoral Timetable and warned parties against taking any steps that could prejudice the matter before the trial court.

He said that INEC observed that the current NWC of the ADC emerged from a NEC meeting held on July 29, 2025 following the resignation of the previous executive committee led by Mr Ralph Nwosu.

He said that the commission also observed that Gombe, who was National Vice Chairman, maintained that he did not resign and that by virtue of the party’s constitution, he should assume leadership following the resignation of the Chairman.

“He subsequently filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 on 2nd September 2025, seeking orders to restrain Sen. Mark’s group from parading themselves as party leaders and to compel INEC to recognise him as acting national chairman,” he said.

INEC also noted that the names of the current NWC led by Sen. Mark were uploaded to its portal on Sept. 9, 2025 following a request received on Sept. 4, 2025.

Haruna said that fter considering the judgment and all relevant processes, the Commission resolved to maintain the situation as it existed before Sept. 2, 2025, when the suit was filed.

He said that the commission also resolved to refrain from taking any action that could undermine the proceedings before the Federal High Court.

He disclosed that INEC declined the request to allow Gombe to take over the affairs of the party pending the court’s decision.

He noted that INEC would not receive further communication from, or deal with, any of the contending groups on matters relating to the party’s affairs.

It added that it would not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened by any faction of the ADC until the case is determined by the Federal High Court.

He stated that in line with the directive to maintain the status quo, the commission would remove from its portal the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Mark.

He reiterated INEC’s commitment to neutrality, impartiality and strict compliance with court orders, and urged political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly so as not to disrupt preparations for the 2027 General Election.

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Jonathan made the call in Abuja on Wednesday during the 70th birthday and book launch of Sen. Gbenga Daniel (APC-Ogun East).

The former president argued that a specialised court would reduce the burden on the nation’s political system by handling election matters in a single phase.

He noted that the current three-tier litigation process for governorship elections—moving from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal and finally the Supreme Court—has become ineffective.

Reflecting on the evolution of Nigeria’s electoral laws, Jonathan recalled a 2011 case where a gubernatorial candidate lost his seat due to a technicality regarding the color of ink used by voters.

“I remember a particular case where someone lost an election as a governor because the law then stipulated the use of red ink to tick voters’ names.

“In an entire senatorial district, they were not provided with red pens and used available black or green pens.

“As a result, those votes were cancelled. The Appeal Court upheld this, even though the lower tribunal felt that a tick is a tick,” he said.

The former president explained that while the National Assembly later amended the law to allow governorship cases to reach the Supreme Court to prevent such injustices, they failed to take care of the length of litigation.

Jonathan urged Nigeria to look towards the judicial models of Francophone African countries which utilise specialised Constitutional Courts for political matters.

“If the Supreme Court would continue to be the terminal court for governor’s elections, then they don’t need to go through the lower tribunal so that it would just be one step.

“I believe the ideal thing to do, which I was considering when I was in office, was to make sure that it’s only one tribunal that listens to any litigation relating to politics.

“This is done, especially in the Francophone countries in Africa. They have constitutional courts, anything about elections, only the constitutional courts that take decisions,’’ he said.

The former president also challenged the judiciary to be firm in its decision-making to sanitise the nation’s politics.

“Politics is like soccer and the judges are the referees. If the referee looks the other way, players will break legs or score with their hands,” Jonathan added.

Extolling the virtues of the celebrant, Jonathan described Sen. Daniel as a “constructive leader” who brought an engineering mindset into the “murky waters of politics.”

He recalled how Daniel was spontaneously selected as the South-West Zonal Coordinator for his 2015 presidential campaign because of his ability to cut across political divides and his inherent credibility.

“I can attest to the fact that he is a man that really thinks like an engineer—very constructive and dedicated,” Jonathan added.

He also commended Daniel for documenting his life in four books, noting that personal accounts are essential to correcting public misconceptions.

“I always appreciate people who put on paper their experiences and what happens to them. I pray and hope I will also do one day so that younger people will read about Goodluck Jonathan.

“There are a lot of stories about me. Maybe 50 per cent of them, whenever I read, they are not correct. But people say whatever they want to say.

“So it’s only when the author himself, when the actor documents it, then people say, oh, this is what happened,’’ Jonathan said

The event was attended by President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; prominent traditional rulers, and political stalwarts.

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The party disclosed this in the latest official membership data released by the National Publicity Secretary of the Taminu Turaki-led faction, Mr Ini Ememobong, on Wednesday in Abuja.

A breakdown of the data showed that 2,158,742 members, representing 50.6 per cent of the registered total, are from the North, while 2,105,933, representing 49.4 per cent, are from the South.

The regional distribution saw the South-West zone leading with 953,954 members, followed by the South-South with 917,652; North-Central, 757,502; North-West, 754,935; North-East, 646,305 and South-East with 234,327 members.

A state-by-state analysis also revealed that Kaduna State recorded the highest number of registrants with 408,915 members, followed by Edo with 378,033; Oyo, 368,204; Ogun, 316,311 and Kano, 275,786 members.

In terms of gender distribution, male registrants stood at 2,336,069 (54.8 per cent), while female members accounted for 1,928,606 (45.2 per cent).

The age demographics showed that the youth category (18–40 years) dominated the exercise with 1,720,355 members (40.3 per cent).

The middle-aged group (41–60 years) followed with 1,309,840 (30.7 per cent), while senior citizens (61 years and above) accounted for 1,234,480 (28.9 per cent).

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the digital membership registration, Ememobong said that the figures proved that the electorate remained loyal to the party despite the defection of some political office holders.

“This digital membership registration has shown clearly that the politicians are defecting, not the electorate.

“If they wanted to join the ruling party, they would have easily registered with them, with the numerous enticements that are usually concomitant with registering there,” he said.

Ememobong stated that the average registration at the polling unit level stood at 24 members, with an average of 484 members in each of the 8,809 wards across the 774 local government areas.

He described the three-week exercise as “herculean” but “successful”, adding that the National Working Committee (NWC) had approved an extension of the registration period to April 30 to accommodate more Nigerians.

Ememobong urged members to ensure that they were properly captured on the digital platform, iampdp.org, reiterating that the registration remained free.

He stated that PDP, under the Turaki leadership, remained a formidable opposition, committed to safeguarding the country’s political future.

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The coalition, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos by its Spokesman, Mr Olanrewaju Badmus, said Elliot’s previous three terms were satisfactory.

Badmus said that community leaders, youth groups, small-business representatives and civil society organisations had collectively assessed Elliot’s legislative record and found it wanting.

Badmus accused the lawmaker of delivering minimal constituency projects and showing limited legislative impact.

He also alleged that Elliot lacked the creativity and drive to tackle infrastructure decay, youth unemployment and inadequate primary healthcare.

“We are not opposed to any individual on principle, but we refuse to endorse continued leadership that has not produced tangible improvements for our wards.

“Three terms should have produced clear, measurable progress.

“Instead, we have experienced stagnation, recycled ideas, and little evidence of policy leadership that responds to Surulere’s evolving challenges,” Badmus said.

He said that the group’s position was not borne out of malice or personal bias, but from a firm belief that no individual is bigger than the system.

“Leadership must remain accountable, renewable, and reflective of the evolving aspirations of the people.

He noted that the group “finds it necessary to address attempts by certain quarters to misrepresent this stance as being reactionary or tied to recent developments.”

He stressed the need for Surulere Constituency 1 to present individuals with fresh energy and new ideas.

The spokesman also called for a renewed commitment to people-centred representation.

“As stakeholders, the forum affirms its commitment to upholding democratic values, promoting inclusive participation in leadership and ensuring that the voice of the people remains a priority.

“We call on well-meaning residents, and supporters of democracy to stand firm in ensuring that Surulere is taken to greater heights.

“By putting forward a candidate with fresh ideas and the ambition to take Surulere to greater heights,” he added.

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