The 2027 election battle lines have been drawn, and INEC just set the stage on fire.
At the weekend, the Independent National Electoral Commission released its provisional list of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates for the February 6, 2027 polls in 28 states. And it reads like a roll call of Nigeria’s most controversial political comebacks.
Ex-Ministers And Fallen Giants Fight Their Way Back
The biggest names jumping into the ring are all former ministers with baggage and ambition.
In Kebbi, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami (SAN) will run under the ADC to unseat Governor Nasir Idris of the APC. Malami is still battling in court after the EFCC secured a temporary forfeiture of 48 properties allegedly linked to him.
In Gombe, former Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami dumped the APC and snatched the PDP ticket after a bruising fight. He will face APC’s Jamilu Gwamna and ADC’s Bala Tinka.
In Enugu, Uche Nnaji, who was dropped as a minister over alleged certificate forgery, is now the PDP flagbearer against Governor Peter Mbah, who has defected from PDP to APC. Nnaji is currently facing charges in court.
Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) will also fly the PDP flag in Benue against Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Binani Returns, Ogboru’s Sixth Attempt, And Governors Switching Sides
Adamawa’s 2023 APC candidate Senator Aishatu “Binani” Dahiru is back, this time under the NDC after leaving the ADC. She will challenge a field that now includes a defected Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who moved from PDP to APC.
In Delta, Great Ogboru makes his sixth run for governor on the ADC ticket, facing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who is chasing a second term.
Lagos will see a three-way showdown: Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for APC, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour now in ADC after leaving LP, and Adedeji Doherty for PDP.
Assembly Races, Party Drama, And Deadline Countdown
INEC also published House of Assembly candidates. In Rivers, only PDP, NDC and ADC fielded candidates in all 32 constituencies.
The list has already sparked protests. Ebonyi ADC says INEC listed the wrong governorship candidate and insists Rigi Tobias won their primary.
Parties have until September 19 to withdraw or substitute candidates with a sworn affidavit, and until September 26 to file final nomination forms under the 2026 Electoral Act.
With ex-ministers, senators, and perennial contenders all back, 2027 is shaping up as Nigeria’s most dramatic governorship contest in years.
