APC Uploads Governorship Candidates for 27 States, Resolves Primary Disputes Ahead of 2027 Elections
Reported by Fact Harbour News
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully uploaded the particulars of its governorship candidates and their running mates for 27 of the 28 states where governorship elections will be conducted during the 2027 general elections, following the resolution of most disputes arising from its recently concluded primary elections.
The development marks a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the nationwide polls and reflects efforts by the APC leadership to reconcile aggrieved members and present a united front ahead of the election campaign.
According to party sources, all major issues surrounding governorship primaries in states where the contests were keenly disputed have been substantially resolved, enabling the party to meet the submission requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The APC is, however, yet to complete the submission of its governorship ticket in one state located in the North-East geopolitical zone. Sources familiar with the process disclosed that consultations are still ongoing over the choice of a deputy governorship candidate, with party stakeholders expected to conclude discussions at a meeting in Abuja.
The delay is reportedly due to the fact that the serving deputy governor in the affected state has completed the constitutional limit of two terms in office, making it necessary for the party to nominate a new running mate before finalising its submission.
Among the governorship candidates whose names have been uploaded to the INEC portal are Obafemi Hamzat (Lagos), Solomon Adeola (Ogun), Kingsley Chinda (Rivers), Eric Opah (Abia), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Mustapha Gubio (Borno), Jamilu Gwamna (Gombe), Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa), Baba Malam Wali (Yobe), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Umar Bago (Niger), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto).
Party officials also indicated that candidates from the remaining states where governorship elections will be held have been successfully processed, while the outstanding submission will be completed once consultations on the deputy governorship slot are concluded.
The upload of candidates follows weeks of intense political activities within the ruling party. In several states, the conduct of the APC governorship primaries generated disagreements, petitions and calls for reviews from some aspirants who challenged the emergence of successful candidates. The party subsequently initiated reconciliation efforts through consultations involving national leaders, state executives and stakeholders in a bid to preserve internal unity.
Political analysts believe that resolving the internal disputes before the commencement of full-scale campaigns is crucial to the APC’s electoral strategy, as unresolved grievances could affect the party’s performance in key states during the governorship elections.
The completion of candidate submissions in nearly all the affected states also allows the APC to focus on strengthening its campaign structures, mobilising supporters and articulating its programmes ahead of the elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to continue scrutinising the credentials and particulars submitted by political parties in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and its election timetable. The Commission will subsequently publish the final list of candidates after the completion of all statutory processes.
With only one governorship ticket awaiting finalisation, attention is now focused on the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where the APC is expected to conclude consultations and complete the submission of its remaining candidate.
The development comes as political parties across Nigeria intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with campaigns expected to gather momentum in the coming months as candidates begin presenting their manifestos and seeking the support of voters across the federation.