The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the names and particulars of governorship candidates and their running mates for the 2027 elections across the country.
The details, contained in Form EC9, were displayed at INEC offices in the states on Saturday, formally confirming the candidates who will contest the governorship elections.
The list includes candidates from major political parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The published particulars include the candidates’ ages, educational qualifications and other credentials.
The development marks a new phase in preparations for the 2027 elections, with campaigns for governorship and State House of Assembly seats expected to commence in September 2026 and end on February 4, 2027.
According to INEC’s timetable, the governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
In Oyo State, 16 candidates are listed for the governorship election. The APC’s Sharafadeen Alli will face Bimbo Adekambi of the APM and Yinusa Ayandare of the ADC, among others.
Lagos State has 17 governorship candidates, including APC candidate and incumbent Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and ADC candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani of the APC will face 17 other candidates, while 14 candidates are contesting in Kebbi State.
Delta State has 16 candidates, while 19 political parties are participating in the Sokoto governorship election.
Kwara State has 12 candidates, including APC candidate and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, and PDP candidate Bolakale Kawu.
In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal is being challenged by 15 other candidates, while Bauchi has 19 governorship candidates, including Lami Babageidam of the Zenith Labour Party.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia will contest against five other candidates, including former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, of the PDP.
Kano Governor Abba Yusuf is also among the candidates listed, alongside contenders from the NDC, Labour Party and PDP.
Rivers State has 19 governorship candidates, while 17 candidates will contest in Gombe State.
In Ogun, 13 political parties have fielded candidates, including Solomon Adeola of the APC, Oladipupo Adebutu of the PDP and Jimi Lawal of the ADC.
INEC also listed 14 candidates for Jigawa State, while Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru will face PDP candidate Ifeanyi Odii and other contenders.
The publication of the candidates’ particulars clears a major hurdle in the 2027 electoral process and provides voters with official information on those seeking to govern their respective states.
