INEC begins verification of Labour Party leadership ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced a comprehensive verification exercise at the national secretariat of the Labour Party in Abuja as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, led by an INEC delegation headed by Mansur Hassan, is aimed at assessing the party’s leadership structure, membership register, financial records and compliance with statutory requirements governing political parties in Nigeria.

Hassan stated that the exercise goes beyond routine monitoring, explaining that the commission’s role includes verifying documents and ensuring that political parties maintain proper internal structures as required by law.

He added that the team would review the party’s national leadership composition, membership database and documentation relating to its national secretariat, including tenancy agreements and proof of ownership or occupancy.

According to him, INEC officials would also require soft copies of membership registers and other internal records to ensure transparency and compliance with electoral guidelines ahead of the next election cycle.

The verification comes at a sensitive period for the Labour Party, which has been facing prolonged internal leadership disputes and factional disagreements that have affected its organisational ility.

The party’s interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman welcomed the exercise, stating that the leadership is committed to rebuilding and strengthening the party’s structures despite ongoing challenges.

She emphasised the importance of unity within the party and urged aggrieved factions to reconcile, noting that internal cohesion is necessary for electoral competitiveness in future elections.

Usman also confirmed that the party had made available requested documents to INEC and conducted officials through its facilities as part of the verification process.

The exercise follows a similar review recently conducted by INEC on the Social Democratic Party, as the electoral body intensifies oversight of political parties ahead of 2027.

Observers say the ongoing verification reflects INEC’s effort to enforce compliance, strengthen internal party democracy and ensure readiness for credible elections across Nigeria.