Youth Party fixes national convention for May 23
The Youth Party has fixed May 23, 2026, for its national convention. Ward, local government and state congresses are scheduled for May 16, 18 and 20 as part of a
- …congresses set for May 16 - 20
The Youth Party has fixed May 23, 2026, for its national convention.
Ward, local government and state congresses are scheduled for May 16, 18 and 20 as part of a broader plan to restructure its internal processes and prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The party, in a statement from its National Executive Committee (NEC), announced a revised timetable for its congresses and convention, along with fresh guidelines for its primary elections.
The sale of nomination forms for elective offices commenced on March 2 and will close on May 20.
The presidential form is pegged at N35 million, while the governorship form costs N14 million.
Forms for Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats are priced at N2.5 million, N1.5 million, and N250,000, respectively.
To encourage wider participation, the party announced a 50 per cent reduction in nomination fees for women, persons with disabilities and youths aged 40 years and below.
Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 25, with primaries on May 29, followed by an appeals process.
In a notable shift from conventional practices, the party said it would adopt the One Member, One Vote (OMOV) model for its primaries, eliminating the delegate system and granting all registered members the right to vote.
Voting, it added, will be conducted electronically through online and SMS platforms, with safeguards to ensure transparency, security and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The process will also be monitored by candidates and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the party said.
According to the party, the congresses will begin at the grassroots with ward-level elections on May 16, followed by local government congresses on May 18 and state congresses on May 20, culminating in the national convention on May 23.
It said the exercise is central to strengthening its internal democracy and expanding participation among members nationwide.
“The congresses are a critical part of our internal democratic process and will provide members across the country the opportunity to participate in electing party officials and strengthening grassroots structures,” the statement said.
As part of the process, the party has also introduced mandatory membership revalidation to update its register and ensure that only eligible members participate in the congresses and subsequent primaries.
The sale of nomination forms for the congresses, which began on March 15, will close at different dates depending on the level, while forms for positions at the national convention will remain available until May 10.
Nomination fees for party leadership positions range from N2,500 at the ward level to N250,000 for the office of National Chairman.
To address disputes, the party said it has put in place a structured appeals process for each stage of the congresses and the convention, allowing aggrieved aspirants to seek redress within specified timelines.
It assured members of a transparent and inclusive exercise and urged them to actively participate at all levels.
Reaffirming its commitment to reform-oriented politics, the Youth Party said the new measures are designed to promote transparency, discourage money politics and create a level playing field for aspirants.
It also called on Nigerians interested in contesting elections or participating in its primaries to join its membership base, stressing that its processes are inclusive and accessible.
The party added that the updated membership register, the forthcoming congresses and the planned primaries are part of a broader strategy to build a credible political platform capable of empowering young Nigerians and deepening democratic participation.
