By Sanni Abdullahi
ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the official list of presidential candidates for all registered political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most competitive races in recent history.
According to the list, INEC confirmed the names of 19 flag bearers who will represent their political parties on the ballot. The list includes familiar names, returning contenders, and new faces seeking to reshape the country’s political landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lead the All Progressives Congress, APC, into the election as the party seeks a second term. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has nominated Senator Sandy Onor as its candidate.
Former Vice President and 2023 Presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will fly the flag of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, while Labour Party’s ticket goes to Okereke Sunday Chibuzor.
Another major name on the list is the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, who will contest under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
Activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore will represent the African Action Congress, AAC, while Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke has been picked by the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP.
The full list released by INEC includes: Adekunle Rufai Omoaje of Action Alliance, AA; Abbas-Bin Aliyu of Action Democratic Party, ADP; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of Allied Peoples Movement, APM; Yusuf Kabiru of All Peoples Party, APP; Adenuga Sunday of Boot Party, BP; Memeh Samuel of Democratic League of Africa, DLA; Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick of National Democratic Party, NDP; Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed of New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP; Okereke Iken Esther of National Rescue Movement, NRM; Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer of Social Democratic Party, SDP; Chukwu Anita Zugwai of Young Progressives Party, YPP; and Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu of Zenith Labour Party, ZLP.
Political analysts are of the view that the early release of the names gives parties more time to begin campaigns, mobilize structures, and engage voters across the 36 states and the FCT.
INEC said the publication is in line with the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the commission to publish the personal particulars and qualifications of candidates at least 150 days before the election.
The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January, and the release is expected to trigger realignments, coalition talks, and policy debates in the coming months.
According to INEC’s revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC had moved the dates forward after the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and enactment of the Electoral Act 2026. The new dates are earlier than the previous plan of Feb 20 and March 6, 2027.
Meanwhile, eight (8) states won’t hold governorship elections in 2027 due to off-cycle polls: Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun.
Civil society groups have urged parties to focus campaigns on issues of the economy, security, education, and youth unemployment.
With 19 candidates now officially in the race, voters will have a wide range of options. INEC also reminded political parties that the period for campaigns, as stipulated in the timetable, will commence later this year, and warned against early campaigning that violates the law.
The commission said it will continue to update the public on subsequent stages of the electoral process, including the final list of candidates after possible substitutions and the commencement of official campaigns.
