Nasarawa Labour Party Faction Begins Free Distribution of Governorship, Senatorial Forms Ahead of 2027

The Labor Party faction loyal to Julius Abure in Nasarawa State has begun distributing free governorship, senatorial and legislative nomination forms to aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the move as part of efforts to ease economic hardship and encourage wider political participation.

By Chisom Adaeze

The Labor Party faction in Nasarawa State loyal to national chairman Julius Abure has commenced the distribution of free expression of interest and nomination forms to party members and intending aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development was announced on Friday during a press briefing held at the party’s secretariat in Lafia by the state chairman of the faction, Alexander Ombugu.

According to Ombugu, the free forms cover governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly positions, and are part of efforts by the party to encourage broader political participation despite the country’s economic challenges.

He explained that the initiative was introduced to ease the financial burden often associated with contesting elective positions in Nigeria, particularly for young politicians and grassroots aspirants who may not have access to significant financial resources. “We are aware that many political parties put their expression of interest and nomination forms at a higher price. But the Labor Party belongs to the people,” Ombugu said.

He added that the decision reflects the party’s populist identity and commitment to inclusiveness. “It is a party of all, that is why our logo indicates father, mother and child. Therefore, as a party of the people, we have decided to issue these forms free of charge to all interested aspirants under the platform of the party,” he stated.

Ombugu maintained that despite the ongoing leadership dispute within the Labor Party at the national level involving Julius Abure and Nenadi Usman, the Nasarawa chapter loyal to Abure remains committed to fielding candidates for all elective positions ahead of 2027.

The Labour Party has continued to experience internal divisions since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, with competing factions battling for legitimacy and control of the party structure nationally and across several states.

Despite the uncertainty, Ombugu insisted that his faction remains the authentic leadership of the party in Nasarawa State and has received directives from the national leadership to begin preparations for upcoming elections. “I have the mandate which has been given to us — a mandate to fill in our candidates and do what the national chairman instructed us to do,” he said.

The state chairman also appealed to credible politicians and aspirants across the state to take advantage of the opportunity by obtaining and submitting the forms within the timeline approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He disclosed that the party’s primary elections for the 2027 general elections are scheduled to hold between May 27 and May 29.

According to the timetable announced by the faction, governorship and House of Assembly primaries will hold on May 27, while senatorial and House of Representatives primaries are expected to take place on May 29.

Ombugu assured party members that the primaries would be conducted in a transparent, peaceful and credible manner without internal rancor. The faction also confirmed preparations for the forthcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026, by INEC. The by-election became necessary following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who previously represented the district.

According to Ombugu, the party has fixed May 25 for its senatorial primary election to select a candidate that will represent the Labour Party in the by-election. “As a result of the demise of our brother, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, INEC announced that a by-election will be held in the zone. Therefore, on the 25th of this month, we will conduct our primary election in order to produce a candidate,” he explained.

Political observers say the free distribution of nomination forms could attract increased interest from grassroots politicians and emerging aspirants, especially at a time when high nomination fees by major political parties have continued to generate public criticism nationwide.

The move may also strengthen the Labor Party’s appeal among younger voters and low-income aspirants seeking alternatives to the country’s traditional political structures.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensify across Nigeria, parties continue to reposition themselves through grassroots mobilization, internal restructuring and strategic recruitment of aspirants.

The Nasarawa Labor Party faction’s latest initiative highlights the growing competition among political parties to expand their support base ahead of another potentially competitive election cycle.