As preparations intensify ahead of the January 16, 2027 general election, a growing number of political parties have completed their presidential primaries or announced candidates expected to contest the nation’s highest office.
With 22 political parties currently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at least 11 had produced presidential candidates as of May 31, reflecting an increasingly crowded political landscape.
The emerging field features an incumbent seeking another term, alongside opposition figures spread across several parties and factions.
Internal disputes within parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have also produced parallel candidates, underscoring divisions that may shape the contest.
Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu will fly the flag of the All Progressives Congress as he seeks re-election after assuming office in 2023.
Before becoming president, Tinubu served as Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.
He is widely regarded as one of the influential figures behind the formation of the APC and played a prominent role in the election of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Sandy Onor
Senator Sandy Onor emerged as the presidential candidate of a PDP faction aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
Onor represented Cross River Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2019 to 2023.
He also previously contested for the governorship of Cross River State.
Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan was nominated in absentia by a separate PDP faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 after previously holding office as Governor of Bayelsa State and later vice president.
His tenure is often associated with the peaceful transfer of power following the 2015 presidential election.
He has not made extensive public comments regarding the recent nomination.
Atiku Abubakar
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar.secured the presidential ticket of a faction of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark.
Atiku served as vice president between 1999 and 2007 and remains one of the most recognisable figures within the PDP.
He has contested for the presidency multiple times, including in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
Dumebi Kachikwu
Dumebi Kachikwu emerged as the presidential candidate of another ADC faction.
He gained national attention after contesting the 2023 presidential election under the party’s platform.
Kachikwu is also the younger brother of former minister of state for petroleum resources, Ibe Kachikwu.
Chris Uba
Prof. Chief Chris Uba was announced as the sole presidential candidate of a separate ADC faction by the factional national chairman, Bala Gombe.
His emergence further reflects the internal divisions within the party ahead of the election.
Omoyele Sowore
Human rights activist, journalist and Sahara Reporters founder, Omoyele Sowore, will represent the African Action Congress.
Sowore has previously contested the presidency twice on the platform of the AAC.
He remains one of the party’s most prominent figures.
Adewole Adebayo
Lawyer and businessman, Adewole Adebayo, secured the presidential ticket of the Social Democratic Party.
Adebayo also contested for the presidency under the SDP in an earlier election cycle.
Peter Obi
Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress after leaving 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 Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
Seyi Makinde
The Governor Of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement.
Makinde is currently serving his second term as governor and remains a notable figure in Nigerian politics.
Aliyu Bin Abbas
Aliyu Bin Abbas secured the presidential ticket of the Action Democratic Party.
He previously served as a political aide to Atiku Abubakar.
Dr Chibuzo Okereke
Dr Chibuzo Okereke was named the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Described as a governance expert and policy strategist, Okereke serves as a legislative consultant to 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.
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim
Businessman and politician, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, was unveiled by Accord as its presidential candidate on May 31.
Olawepo-Hashim, a former student activist, has maintained a presence in Nigeria’s political arena for several decades.
He previously contested the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the People’s Trust.
Donald Duke
Former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, emerged as the presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party.
Duke served as governor from 1999 to 2007 and remains one of the better-known political figures from southern Nigeria.
Abimbola Akeem Atanda
Abimbola Akeem Atanda emerged as the candidate of another SDP faction led by Shehu Gabam.
His candidacy highlights the parallel leadership structures currently existing within the party.
