INEC Releases 2027 Governorship Candidates, Sets Stage for Fierce Poll

By Blessing Fali

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the names and particulars of governorship candidates and their running mates for the 2027 elections across the country.

The candidates’ details, contained in Form EC9, were displayed at INEC offices across the states, bringing an end to uncertainty over those who will contest the governorship seats under various political parties.

The All Progressives Congress, African Democratic Congress, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and Allied Peoples Movement dominated the list released by the commission.

The published details include the candidates’ ages, educational backgrounds and other relevant credentials.

The development marks a new phase in preparations for the 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly elections, with campaigns expected to begin in September 2026 and end on February 4, 2027.

According to INEC, the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

In Oyo State, 16 candidates are listed for the governorship election, while Lagos has 17 candidates, including APC’s Obafemi Hamzat and ADC’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani will face 17 other candidates, while 14 candidates are contesting in Kebbi State.

Delta State has 16 governorship candidates, while 19 political parties are participating in the Sokoto governorship election.

In Kwara State, 12 candidates are contesting, including APC’s Yakubu Danladi-Salihu and PDP’s Bolakale Kawu.

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal is also facing 15 other candidates, while 19 candidates are listed for Bauchi State.

In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia will face five other candidates, including former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, who is contesting on the PDP platform.

Kano Governor Abba Yusuf is among the major contenders in Kano, where other candidates include NDC’s Aminu Gwarzo, Labour Party’s Mohammed Raji and PDP’s Muhammad Dalhatu.

Rivers State has 19 candidates, while Gombe has 17. Ogun has 13 candidates, including APC’s Solomon Adeola, PDP’s Oladipupo Adebutu and ADC’s Jimi Lawal.

INEC also listed 14 candidates for Jigawa State, while Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru will face PDP’s Ifeanyi Odii and other contenders.

The commission has also announced plans to print sensitive electoral materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, locally ahead of the 2027 elections.