INEC Releases Final Candidates’ Lists for 2027 Elections, Names 18 Presidential Contenders By De Accolade Magazine

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly published the final lists of candidates for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, marking another major step in preparations for the nationwide polls. The publication, said to have been released on Saturday, October 10, 2026, covers governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates, following the earlier publication of presidential and National Assembly candidates in September. According to the report, 18 presidential candidates and their running mates are listed for the 2027 presidential election, while a total of 4,408 candidates are expected to contest seats in the National Assembly. The figure comprises 1,195 senatorial candidates and 3,213 candidates for the House of Representatives. Among the prominent presidential contenders identified in the report are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Other presidential candidates reportedly include Sandy Ojang Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore, and Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside candidates of other political parties. The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027, according to the published report. Akwa Ibom Governorship Race Takes Shape In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno, who is now associated with the APC, is listed among the candidates seeking the governorship. Other contenders reportedly include Senator John James Akpanudoedehe of the ADC, Michael Bush of the Labour Party, Samuel Coffie Emeni of the PDP, and Jeremiah Akpan of the Democratic Leadership Alliance. The state's senatorial contests are also expected to attract considerable political attention, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio listed as a candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District. Senators Aniekan Bassey and Ekong Sampson are also identified in the report as candidates for Akwa Ibom North-East and Akwa Ibom South Senatorial Districts, respectively. The contests are expected to test the strength of political parties and the popularity of their candidates as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections. INEC Intensifies Preparations for 2027 Elections The publication of candidates’ lists is an important stage in the electoral process, providing voters, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders with information about those seeking elective offices. The lists also enable the public to scrutinise candidates' identities, party affiliations and constituencies, while giving political parties an opportunity to verify nomination details in accordance with applicable electoral laws. The report states that INEC's publication of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates was undertaken pursuant to Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. However, voters and other interested stakeholders are advised to consult INEC's official website and published records to confirm the names, party affiliations and constituencies of candidates ahead of the elections. As political activities gather momentum, the publication of the final candidates’ lists is expected to intensify campaigns, party mobilisation and public debate over the direction of Nigeria's political future.