The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Saturday, 29th August 2026 published the names and details of governorship candidates and their running mates across Nigeria.

The list, contained in Form EC9, was pasted at INEC offices in all states. It effectively ended speculation over who will fly the flags of major parties in the 2027 elections.

Key Parties and Candidates

The APC, PDP, ADC, NDC and APM dominated the lists. The forms also showed candidates’ ages, educational backgrounds and other credentials.

With this release, INEC has formally opened the next phase of the 2027 electoral process.

– Campaigns for governorship and state Assembly elections: September 2026

– Campaigns end: February 4, 2027

– Election Day: February 6, 2027

State Breakdown:

– Oyo: 16 candidates. APC’s Sharafadeen Alli vs APM’s Bimbo Adekambi backed by Gov. Makinde vs ADC’s Yinusa Ayandare

– Lagos: 17 candidates including Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat, APC and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, ADC

– Kaduna: Gov. Uba Sani, APC vs 17 others

– Kebbi: 14 candidates

– Delta: 16 candidates

– Sokoto: 19 political parties fielding candidates

– Kwara: 12 candidates. Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, APC vs Kawu, PDP + 10 others

– Zamfara: Gov. Dauda Lawal vs 15 others

– Bauchi: 19 candidates including Lami Babageidam, Zenith Labour Party

– Benue: Gov. Hyacinth Alia vs 5 others including former AGF Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, PDP

– Kano: Gov. Abba Yusuf, APC vs NDC’s Aminu Gwarzo, LP’s Mohammed Raji*, PDP’s Muhammad Dalhatu

– Rivers: 19 candidates

– Gombe: 17 candidates

– Ogun: 13 candidates including Solomon Adeola, APC, Oladipupo Adebutu, PDP, Jimi Lawal, ADC

– Jigawa: 14 candidates

– Ebonyi: Gov. Francis Nwifuru vs Ifeanyi Odii, PDP + others

INEC: All sensitive materials to be printed in Nigeria

INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, said ballot papers and result sheets for 2027 will be printed locally by vetted Nigerian companies.

He said sensitive materials will be printed close to the election date and stored with the CBN before distribution in the presence of CSOs, media and party agents.

Haruna added that non-sensitive materials like ballot boxes are already being procured. Orders for BVAS machines and other equipment have also been placed.

He identified the shortened electoral timetable as a challenge. The new law reduced preparation time from 12 months to 6 months. However, he dismissed fears about local printers, saying the 2023 election had no issues with them.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured Nigerians that campaigns will not disrupt legislative duties.

He said lawmakers will balance politics with governance, and that campaigns can hold in the evenings while legislative work continues in the mornings.

“We are elected for four years and we will work for four years. Nothing will affect legislation,” he said.

Source: Sunday PUNCH.