The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally published the candidates and running mates for the 2027 governorship elections, setting the stage for the commencement of another phase of political activities across the country.
The candidates’ particulars were displayed on Form EC9 at INEC offices nationwide on Saturday.
The publication contains details, including the names of the candidates, their running mates, ages, educational qualifications and other credentials.
The development effectively puts the identities of those seeking to occupy the various state government houses in the public domain ahead of the elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Campaigns for the governorship and state House of Assembly elections are expected to commence in September 2026 and close on February 4, 2027, in line with INEC’s timetable.
The electoral contest is expected to feature a mixture of incumbent governors, former public officials and candidates representing several political parties.
In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is among 18 candidates listed for the election.
Kano Governor Abba Yusuf of the APC will also seek another term against candidates including Aminu Gwarzo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mohammed Raji of the Labour Party and Muhammad Dalhatu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Oyo has 16 candidates, with APC candidate Sharafadeen Alli, Allied Peoples Movement candidate Bimbo Adekambi and African Democratic Party candidate Yinusa Ayandare among those seeking the governorship seat.
Lagos has 17 candidates, including APC candidate and incumbent Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and ADC candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
In Kwara, APC candidate Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, who is the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, will contest against PDP candidate Bolakale Kawu and 10 others.
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal will face 15 other candidates, while 19 candidates have been listed in Bauchi.
Among those seeking the Bauchi governorship seat is Lami Babageidam of the Zenith Labour Party.
Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia is listed alongside five other candidates, including former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, of the PDP.
Other states also recorded significant numbers of contenders. Rivers has 19 candidates, Gombe 17, Delta 16, Jigawa 14, Kebbi 14 and Ogun 13.
Sokoto has 19 political parties participating in its governorship election, while 12 candidates are listed for Kwara.
In Ebonyi, Governor Francis Nwifuru will face PDP candidate Ifeanyi Odii and other contenders. Odii was Nwifuru’s principal challenger in the 2023 election.
Ballot Papers to Be Produced in Nigeria
As political parties prepare for the campaigns, INEC has disclosed that ballot papers and result sheets for the 2027 elections will be produced by local printers.
National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna made this known in an interview with newsmen on Saturday.
Haruna said INEC had inspected printing companies within Nigeria and determined that some possessed the required capacity and security infrastructure to handle sensitive election materials.
He explained that the commission deliberately waits until closer to election dates before printing ballot papers and result sheets to minimise the risk associated with their early production.
After printing, the materials will be transferred to the Central Bank of Nigeria for safekeeping before being distributed for the elections.
Haruna said the distribution would be carried out transparently, with political party agents, civil society organisations and the media expected to be present.
While sensitive materials are yet to be printed, INEC has commenced preparations for other election materials.
The commission has begun procuring and producing items such as ballot boxes and has also placed orders for critical election equipment, including Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines.
Haruna said the commission was also producing banners to address expected shortages.
‘Time Is Our Major Challenge’
Despite the progress recorded in preparations, Haruna identified time as a major constraint ahead of the elections.
He explained that changes to the electoral law had reduced the period available to INEC for election preparations from 12 months to six months.
“The problem is time,” he said.
According to him, INEC has already received part of the funds required for the elections and is working on the processes for selecting companies that will execute various printing contracts.
The commissioner also dismissed concerns over the security of locally produced ballot papers and result sheets.
He said local printers had previously handled sensitive election materials successfully and maintained that the facilities being considered for the 2027 exercise had adequate security measures.
“The last general election was a precedent. Did you hear any complaints? We didn’t have any issue with the printers,” he said.
Haruna added that some private printing companies operating in the country have security facilities that are comparable to, and in some cases better than, those available in government-owned security printing establishments.
With the publication of the candidates’ particulars, political parties and their candidates now have a clearer framework for the final phase of preparations before the February 2027 governorship and state assembly elections.
