Political activities are intensifying as Nigeria moves closer to the January 16, 2027 general election, with several parties already wrapping up their presidential primaries or unveiling their chosen candidates.
Out of the 22 political parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at least 11 have produced presidential candidates as of May 31.
The emerging lineup points to a highly fragmented opposition landscape, while the incumbent president prepares for a re-election bid. Internal divisions, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), have led to multiple factions presenting different candidates, a development that may shape the outcome of the election.
Below is a list of candidates who have declared or emerged as presidential flagbearers so far, along with highlights of their political backgrounds.
APC – Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, has secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a second term in office.
Tinubu served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and is widely regarded as one of the key architects of the APC. He also played a significant role in the party’s emergence and in the electoral victory of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Wike-backed PDP – Sandy Onor
Senator Sandy Onor emerged as the presidential candidate of a PDP faction backed by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Onor represented Cross River Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2019 to 2023 and previously contested for the governorship of Cross River State.
Turaki-backed PDP – Goodluck Jonathan
Another PDP faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has named former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate in absentia.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015 after previously holding office as governor of Bayelsa State and vice president. He is widely remembered for conceding defeat in the 2015 election and overseeing a peaceful transfer of power. He has not publicly commented extensively on the latest development.
David Mark-led ADC Faction – Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku served as vice president from 1999 to 2007 and has remained one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures. He has contested the presidency multiple times, including in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
Kachikwu ADC Faction – Dumebi Kachikwu
Dumebi Kachikwu leads another faction of the ADC and has once again emerged as its presidential candidate.
He gained national attention after contesting the 2023 presidential election under the ADC platform. Kachikwu is also the younger brother of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu.
Gombe ADC Faction – Chris Uba
A third ADC faction led by National Chairman Bala Gombe announced Prof. Chief Chris Uba as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
AAC – Omoyele Sowore
Human rights activist, journalist, and founder of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, will represent the African Action Congress (AAC).
Sowore has previously contested the presidency twice under the party’s platform and remains one of the most vocal opposition figures in the country.
SDP – Adewole Adebayo
Lawyer and businessman Adewole Adebayo has secured the presidential ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Adebayo previously contested the presidency on the party’s platform and has remained active in national political discussions.
Shehu Gabam-led SDP – Abimbola Akeem Atanda
Abimbola Akeem Atanda has emerged as the candidate of another SDP faction led by Shehu Gabam.
NDC – Peter Obi
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following his departure from the Labour Party.
Obi governed Anambra State from 2006 to 2014 and was one of the leading contenders in the 2023 presidential election. He has selected former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
APM – Seyi Makinde
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will fly the flag of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the 2027 presidential race.
Makinde is currently serving his second term as governor of Oyo State.
ADP – Aliyu Bin Abbas
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has presented Aliyu Bin Abbas as its presidential candidate.
Abbas previously served as a political aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
LP – Dr Chibuzo Okereke
Dr Chibuzo Okereke has emerged as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.
Described as a governance expert, policy strategist, and reform advocate, Okereke serves as a legislative consultant to key committees and ranking members of the National Assembly. He is also a resident lecturer in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Miva Open University, Abuja.
Accord – Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim
Accord Party announced businessman and politician Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate on May 31.
Olawepo-Hashim, a former student activist, has remained active in Nigerian politics for several decades. He previously contested the presidency in 2019 under the platform of the People’s Trust.
PRP – Donald Duke
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has emerged as the presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Duke served as governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007 and remains one of the country’s notable political figures.
Stay informed with the latest political developments, election updates, and breaking news from across Nigeria and beyond. Visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng for more news, analysis, and real-time updates on the road to the 2027 general election.
