{
  "id": 5709503,
  "title": "2027: Meet the Contenders for Nigeria’s Presidency, Governorships",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/2027-meet-the-contenders-for-nigerias-presidency-governorships",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T03:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/05/2027-meet-the-contenders-for-nigerias-presidency-governorships/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigerian elections in 2027, scheduled for January 16th and February 6th, mark the beginning of a highly contested electoral cycle. Political parties are actively selecting and announcing their candidates for the Presidential and Governorship races across various states. This article presents a comprehensive guide to the Governorship candidates and the political parties they represent for each of the 28 states in Nigeria.\n\nAbia State, with 13 political parties competing, sees the incumbent, Alex Otti, as one of the many contenders vying for the gubernatorial position. The election is anticipated to be fiercely contested, with various parties showcasing their support for different candidates. Adamawa, with 14 parties in the fray, has also attracted a diverse range of contestants, as the incumbent governor will not be eligible to run again.\n\nAkwa Ibom boasts a remarkable 21 governorship candidates from 21 different political parties, making it one of the most competitive races in the 2027 elections. The state shows a significant level of political engagement, with even more candidates running for the gubernatorial seat than the presidential election. Bauchi, with 19 contestants, features all the major parties represented, and the incumbent governor, Bala Mohammed, has completed his second term, leaving the door open for new contenders.\n\nBenue has six parties and their candidates fielded for the gubernatorial election, with the incumbent currently seeking a second term. Similarly, Borno has 10 governorship candidates competing for the Government House in February 2027. Cross River, with 12 political parties contesting, has the incumbent seeking a second term, while Delta has seven contestants, including the incumbent governor who is also re-nominating for a second term.\n\nEbonyi State features 11 governorship candidates from various parties, competing to control the state's top political seat in February. Enugu, with 15 candidates, is expected to be a closely contested race as parties strive to secure the state's political influence. Gombe, with five candidates, and Jigawa, with 14 parties contesting, are also set for competitive governorship elections.\n\nKaduna State hosts 10 governorship candidates, while Kano demonstrates its political sophistication with 19 parties and candidates competing for the Government House. Katsina, currently having four candidates, showcases the political diversity present in the state. Kebbi State, with five political parties fielding candidates, is also in the contest, with five parties considered as front-runners.\n\nKwara State, with 13 political parties represented, sees the incumbent completing his second term and not eligible to run again. Major political parties are represented in the contest, ensuring a competitive race. Lagos State, the center of excellence, parades 10 candidates from 9 political parties, with the incumbent party holding sway for decades, making the election far from a mere walkover.\n\nNasarawa State features 14 standard bearers representing most of the major political parties, with the incumbent Governor, Abdullahi Sule, having completed his second term. Niger State sees 15 political parties fielding candidates, with 16 political parties registering their candidates for the election in February. Ogun State hosts 13 political parties, with the incumbent not eligible to run, while all major parties and those even considered less entrenched will be on the ballot.\n\nOyo State has 16 governorship candidates, representing a broad range of political parties, with a competitive race as contenders seek control of the Oyo State Government House. Plateau State anticipates a competitive 2027 governorship election, with candidates emerging from major political parties, totaling 20 candidates. Lastly, Rivers State, with numerous contestants, underscores the level of interest in the control of power in the oil-rich state.",
  "summary": "Our Correspondents With the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for Saturday, February 6, 2027,",
  "key_points": [
    "2027 Nigerian elections scheduled for January 16th and February 6th",
    "28 states in Nigeria have Governorship candidates from 13-21 parties each",
    "Adamawa Governor ineligible to run again in 2027"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The 2027 Nigerian elections set the stage for a highly competitive political landscape, with numerous candidates vying for governorship positions across 28 states, and incumbent governors' eligibility status significantly influencing the contests.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}