The Labour Party (LP) in Nasarawa State has announced that expression of interest and nomination forms will be made available free of charge to aspirants contesting under the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the party in the state, Alexander Umbugu, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Friday.
According to him, the decision was aimed at reducing the financial burden on aspirants genuinely interested in serving the people rather than recovering political expenses after winning office.
Umbugu stated that the Labour Party remains open to Nigerians regardless of their economic background, noting that the party’s logo symbolises inclusiveness and equality among citizens.
“If you look at our logo, it is Papa, Mama and pikin. The people you are seeing, not all their fingers are equal,” he said.
He explained that the party had previously adopted a similar approach during the 2023 elections, adding that several candidates emerged victorious under the Labour Party without paying for nomination forms.
The state chairman further announced that the party had commenced the distribution of forms for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly aspirants in Nasarawa State.
Umbugu criticised the high cost of nomination forms charged by some political parties, arguing that excessive fees encourage elected officials to prioritise personal financial recovery over public service.
“How can someone get that kind of money? If the person gets to that position, he will not care to work for the people; he will want to make returns on his investments,” he stated.
He also addressed the ongoing leadership dispute within the Labour Party, declaring loyalty to the faction led by Julius Abure despite recent court rulings favouring another camp reportedly aligned with Nenadi Usman.
According to Umbugu, he believes the Supreme Court will eventually restore Abure as the rightful national chairman of the party.
The Labour Party chairman added that preparations were underway for primary elections to select candidates for various positions, including the forthcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
