Battlegrounds for 2027 gov’ship contests

In the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial elections, 28 seats are up for grabs, and political observers are highlighting the intensity and various factors at play in certain states. The nine states that stand out in this election cycle are Katsina, Kebbi, Bauchi, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Oyo, Gombe, and Niger.

In Katsina state, the race is expected to be a three-way contest between Governor Dikko Umar Radda of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Senator Garba Yakubu Lado-Danmarke from the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Governor Radda holds an institutional advantage as the incumbent and brings the support of the ruling party and the state political establishment.

However, the incumbent's success hinges on convincing voters of his administration's achievements in infrastructure and other sectors.

Bauchi state presents a complex political landscape with 19 candidates competing for the governorship position. Among them, Shehu Buba Umar from the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has strong grassroots appeal and political visibility, particularly in Bauchi South, Bauchi's most electorally significant senatorial district. However, his decision to leave the APC on the eve of the primary has caused issues for his party's structure.

Meanwhile, Yakubu Adamu from the APM has gained an advantage following Governor Bala Mohammed's defection to the APM, but he faces allegations of a banditry connection that could damage his credibility.