INEC 2027 Governorship Candidates’ List Stirs Controversy Across States

The Independent National Electoral Commission has published the names and personal particulars of candidates nominated by political parties for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, triggering fresh controversy in several states.

The details, displayed in Form EC9, include information submitted by candidates such as educational qualifications, affidavits, and other credentials. The publication covers governorship contests in 28 states where elections are scheduled to hold in 2027.

Controversy Trails INEC’s Candidate List

As expected, the publication has stirred debate, with some aspirants and party members claiming they were unfairly excluded after disputed primaries and substitution processes.

Some of the disputes are already before the courts as pre-election matters. However, INEC has continued with its timetable, meaning only valid court orders can compel the commission to alter the published list.

2027 Governorship Elections

Governorship elections will hold on February 6, 2027, in 28 of the 36 states, according to the timetable earlier released by INEC.

In some states, incumbent governors will be leaving office on May 29 after completing their constitutionally permitted two terms, while first-term governors in other states are expected to seek re-election.

Who Is Contesting and Who Is Not

Abia: Alex Otti is serving his first term.

Adamawa: Ahmadu Fintiri is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Akwa Ibom: Umo Eno is serving his first term.

Bauchi: Bala Mohammed is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Bayelsa: Douye Diri is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Benue: Hyacinth Alia is serving his first term.

Borno: Babagana Zulum is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Cross River: Bassey Otu is serving his first term.

Delta: Sheriff Oborevwori is serving his first term.

Ebonyi: Francis Nwifuru is serving his first term.

Enugu: Peter Mbah is serving his first term.

Gombe: Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Imo: Hope Uzodinma is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Jigawa: Umar Namadi is serving his first term.

Kaduna: Uba Sani is serving his first term.

Kano: Abba Kabir Yusuf is serving his first term.

Katsina: Dikko Radda is serving his first term.

Kebbi: Nasir Idris is serving his first term.

Kwara: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Lagos: Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Nasarawa: Abdullahi Sule is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Niger: Mohammed Umaru Bago is serving his first term.

Ogun: Dapo Abiodun is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Oyo: Seyi Makinde is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Plateau: Caleb Mutfwang is serving his first term.

Rivers: Siminalayi Fubara is the only governor not contestinga second term.

Sokoto: Ahmed Aliyu is serving his first term.

Taraba: Agbu Kefas is serving his first term.

Yobe: Mai Mala Buni is expected to leave office after completing his tenure.

Zamfara: Dauda Lawal is serving his first term.

INEC’s List of Candidates

According to the list published by INEC, 19 candidates will contest to replace Bala Mohammed in Bauchi State. In Lagos State, 17 candidates are expected to contest the governorship election, including the APC candidate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

In Rivers State, 19 candidates are vying for the top job as Governor Siminalayi Fubara is expected to step down after one term in office. The APC candidate for the election is Kingsley Chinda.

In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia, who is seeking a second term, will face PDP’s Michael Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation. In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani will contest against 17 other candidates.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State will face 16 other candidates in his bid for a second term.

Presidential Candidates’ List

For the presidential candidates and their running mates, there has been less controversy. The list, earlier published on August 2, 2026, contained 19 presidential candidates and their personal particulars in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026.

Published in Form EC9, the list contained not only the names of the candidates but also the credentials they submitted to INEC.

For the APC, President Bola Tinubu is the candidate, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, his 2023 running mate, again listed as his running mate.

The ADC has former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate, with Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate is former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso listed as his running mate.

Other candidates listed by party include:

Omoyele Sowore — African Action Congress (AAC)

Donald Duke – Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)

Senator Sandy Onor – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick – National Democratic Party (NDP)

Rufai Adekunle Omoaje – Action Alliance (AA)

Memeh Samuel – Democratic Liberty Alliance (DLA)

Adenuga Sunday – Boot Party

Okereke Sunday Chibuzor – Labour Party (LP)

Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)

Abbas-Bin Aliyu – Action Democratic Party (ADP)

Okereke Iken Esther – National Rescue Movement (NRM)

Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed – New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)

Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer – Social Democratic Party (SDP)

Seyi Makinde – Allied Peoples Movement (APM)

Yusuf Kabiru – Action Peoples Party (APP)

Peter Agada — Young Progressives Party (YPP), replacing Chukwu Anita Zugwai, who was reported to have voluntarily withdrawn from the race.