As political parties finalize their candidates for the 2027 governorship elections across 28 states, intense contests are expected as outgoing governors seek to install successors while first-term governors battle to secure second terms.
The elections will not take place in seven states due to their off-cycle governorship schedules. Among the first-term governors, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is the only incumbent who failed to secure a re-election ticket.
Political realignments, defections, broken alliances, and the influence of incumbency have significantly reshaped the political landscape ahead of what many observers describe as one of Nigeria’s most critical electoral cycles.
Northern States Set for High-Stakes Contests
Across the 19 northern states scheduled for governorship elections, political heavyweights, incumbents, and influential godfathers are preparing for fierce battles.
Kaduna: Three-Way Contest Takes Shape
Kaduna State is expected to witness one of the most competitive governorship races. Governor Uba Sani of the APC faces strong opposition from Shehu Usman Bawa of the PDP and former governorship candidate Isa Ashiru of the ADC.
Ashiru’s alliance with former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has added a new dimension to the contest, especially given the now fractured relationship between El-Rufai and Governor Sani, who were once close political allies.
Kano: Governor Yusuf Faces Major Test
In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf enters the election amid political turbulence following his defection from the NNPP to the APC.
His fallout with former governor and political mentor Musa Kwankwaso has weakened his traditional support base, creating opportunities for opposition candidates. Despite the challenges, analysts believe Yusuf still benefits from the advantages of incumbency and state structures.
Benue, Taraba and Adamawa Remain Open Contests
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia faces strong opposition from former Attorney General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, who enjoys significant grassroots support and backing from former Governor Samuel Ortom.
Taraba State presents a closely contested race between Governor Agbu Kefas and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, while internal disputes within the PDP continue to cloud the opposition’s chances.
In Adamawa State, the departure of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has opened the field to multiple contenders. Political observers believe the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
APC Maintains Stronghold in Borno and Yobe
Borno and Yobe States remain firmly under APC control. In Borno, Engr. Mustapha Gubio has emerged as the preferred successor of Governor Babagana Zulum, while former Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam Wali, has secured support as the preferred candidate in Yobe.
Political analysts consider both states among the safest APC territories in the country.
Bauchi, Zamfara and Plateau Remain Unpredictable
Bauchi State is regarded as one of the most unpredictable battlegrounds following Governor Bala Mohammed’s defection from the PDP to the APC. Several candidates are now positioning themselves for a highly competitive race.
In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal is favoured to retain his seat, although he faces a challenge from Senator Kabiru Marafa.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang is also considered a strong favourite after securing overwhelming support within the APC.
Southern States Prepare for Major Political Battles
Across 11 southern states, governorship races are also gathering momentum as parties consolidate their positions ahead of the polls.
Lagos: APC Holds Advantage but Opposition Mobilises
In Lagos State, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat emerged as the APC governorship candidate after a dominant performance during the party’s primary election.
The opposition field includes Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the ADC, Deji Doherty of the PDP, and Femi Olaniyi of the SDP. While the APC remains the dominant force in Lagos politics, observers believe Rhodes-Vivour could emerge as a significant challenger due to his growing popularity among younger voters.
Oyo: Successor Battle Intensifies
With Governor Seyi Makinde completing his tenure, attention has shifted to the race for his successor.
The PDP is backing Bimbo Adekanmbi, while the APC remains divided between Senator Sharafadeen Alli and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Adebayo Adelabu.
Political observers believe coalition-building and party structures will be critical in determining the eventual winner.
Abia: Otti Remains Strong Favourite
In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti is widely expected to secure a second term.
His administration’s infrastructure projects and governance reforms have earned broad public support, making him the clear frontrunner. The APC candidate, Chief Eric Opiah, faces additional challenges due to internal disputes within the party.
Enugu: Opposition Crisis Benefits Incumbent
Governor Peter Mbah secured his party’s governorship ticket unopposed and enters the election in a strong position.
The PDP, however, remains embroiled in a leadership and candidate dispute, with multiple factions presenting different candidates. Political analysts believe the internal crisis could significantly weaken the party’s chances of mounting a serious challenge.
APC Appears Positioned for Strong Showing
Across much of the North and several southern states, incumbency and party structures continue to favour the APC. However, highly competitive races remain in Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Lagos and Oyo, where shifting alliances, defections and voter sentiment could ultimately determine the outcome.
As campaigns intensify, political observers expect the 2027 governorship elections to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and influence the country’s future direction beyond the polls.
2027 Governorship Race: Fierce Battles Loom Across Northern and Southern States as Parties Unveil Candidates
