2027 Gov Poll: INEC Displays Candidates’ Particulars as 28 States Set for Battle

2027 Gov Poll: INEC Displays Candidates’ Particulars as 28 States Set for Battl

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has displayed the particulars of governorship candidates for the 28 states where governorship elections will be held on February 6, 2027.

The publication of the candidates’ particulars marks a major step towards the 2027 off-cycle governorship elections, with several incumbent governors, former political office holders and prominent opposition figures listed to contest under various political parties.

Although the ballot in many of the states will feature a long list of candidates, with some states having more than 17 contenders, the major political battle is expected to be concentrated among the leading candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) and other parties.

In Abia State, incumbent Governor Alex Otti is listed under the Labour Party, while Eric Opah of the APC and Kelechi Anosike of the PDP are among the other prominent contenders.

Adamawa is set for a contest involving Ahmed Tijani Galadima of the APC, Suleiman Omar of the ADC and Maurice Vunobolki of the PDP.

In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno is flying the APC flag, while John James Akpanudoedehe is contesting under the ADC.

Bauchi has Mohammed Abubakar of the APC, Usman Supi of the PDP and Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim of the NDC as notable contenders.

In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia will contest on the APC platform against Michael Aondoakaa of the PDP and Herman Hembe of the ADC.

The contest in Borno features Mustapha Gubio of the APC, Babagana Buhari of the ADC and Ibrahim Abba Gana of the PDP.

In Cross River, incumbent Governor Bassey Otu is the APC candidate, while Arthur Jarvis is listed for the PDP.

Delta State will see Governor Sheriff Oborevwori contesting under the APC against former political heavyweight Great Ogboru of the ADC.

In Ebonyi, Governor Francis Nwifuru is the APC candidate, while Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is representing the PDP.

Enugu has Governor Peter Mbah of the APC and Geoffrey Nnaji of the PDP, while Gombe lists Jamilu Gwamna of the APC against Isa Pantami of the PDP.

In Jigawa, Governor Umar Namadi is the APC candidate, with Mustapha Sule Lamido of the PDP listed as a major challenger.

The Kaduna contest includes Governor Uba Sani of the APC, Shehu Bawa of the PDP and Mohammed Ashiru Isa of the ADC.

Kano, one of the states expected to attract significant national attention, has Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf listed under the APC, with Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo of the NDC, Muhammad Dalhatu of the PDP and Mohammed Raji of the Labour Party also among the prominent candidates.

In Katsina, Governor Dikko Umar Radda is seeking another term on the APC platform, while Garba Yakubu Lado is the PDP candidate.

Kebbi has Governor Nasir Idris of the APC and former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, contesting under the ADC.

In Kwara, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu of the APC faces Bolakale Kawu of the PDP and Apaokagi Salahudeen of the SDP.

Lagos is also expected to be a major battleground, with Obafemi Hamzat of the APC, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the ADC, Funso Doherty of the NDC and Adedeji Doherty of the PDP among the prominent candidates.

In Nasarawa, Ahmed Aliyu Wadada of the APC, Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP and Gaza Gbefwi of the Labour Party are listed as major contenders.

Niger State has Governor Umaru Bago of the APC and Mohammed Kpautagi of the ADC, while Ogun features Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, of the APC, Ladi Adebutu of the PDP and Jimi Lawal of the ADC.

The Oyo race includes Sharafadeen Alli of the APC, Bimbo Adekanmbi of the APM, Hazeem Gbolarumi of the PDP and Taofeek Adegoke of the ADC.

In Plateau, incumbent Governor Caleb Mutfwang is listed under the APC, while Kefas Ropshik of the PDP and John Sunday Sura of the ADC are among the leading challengers.

Rivers State is expected to be closely watched, with Kingsley Chinda listed as the APC candidate, while major contenders from the PDP and ADC camps are still emerging.

In Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu is the APC candidate, while Zaki Muhammad is contesting under the ADC.

Taraba has Governor Agbu Kefas of the APC and Nuhu Abubakar Atta of the ADC, while Yobe features Baba Malam Wali of the APC, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Idris Gaidam of the ADC among the prominent names.

In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal is the APC candidate, while Ibrahim Gumi is listed under the ADC, with other PDP contenders also expected to shape the contest.

The 28 states scheduled to conduct governorship elections on February 6, 2027, are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

The display of the candidates’ particulars effectively moves the states into a new phase of the 2027 electoral cycle, with parties and candidates expected to intensify campaigns, mobilisation and coalition-building ahead of the polls.