Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections have advanced with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishing the final list of candidates for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The publication completes the commission’s release of candidate lists ahead of the nationwide polls. INEC had earlier published the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates in September.
According to the published lists, 18 presidential candidates and their running mates are cleared to contest the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
A total of 4,408 candidates are also contesting seats in the National Assembly. Of these, 1,195 are seeking election to the Senate, while 3,213 are vying for seats in the House of Representatives.
Tinubu, Atiku, Obi and Makinde Among Presidential Candidates
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is also in the race under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), with Musa Lawal Daura as his running mate.
Other candidates include Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The Labour Party is fielding Sunday Chibuzo Okereke, while Sandy Ojang Onor is contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Eighteen Parties Feature on the Presidential Ballot
The final presidential list includes candidates from 18 political parties, reflecting a broad field of contenders for the country’s highest political office.
Other parties represented include the Action Alliance, Action Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Party, Boot Party, Democratic Labour Alliance, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, Young Progressives Party and Zenith Labour Party.
Two women are contesting for president: Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori of the National Democratic Party and Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement.
The list establishes the candidates eligible to contest under their respective party platforms, although the extent of their support will become clearer as campaigns progress.
National Assembly Race Features 4,408 Candidates
The 4,408 candidates contesting National Assembly seats will compete for representation across Nigeria’s federal constituencies.
The Senate race features 1,195 candidates, while 3,213 candidates are seeking seats in the House of Representatives.
The large number of contenders highlights the level of political participation ahead of the elections and sets the stage for competition across the country’s legislative constituencies.
Campaigns Move Towards the 2027 Polls
With the presidential and legislative candidate lists published, political parties and their candidates are preparing to persuade voters ahead of election day.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are set for February 6, 2027.
The coming months will focus on campaign activities, party mobilisation and efforts by candidates to present their programmes to voters.
INEC’s publication of the final lists marks another formal step in the electoral process, with the commission responsible for overseeing preparations and conducting the polls in accordance with the approved timetable.
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