On Monday August 31, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC displayed list of Enugu candidates for governorship election coming up in 2027.
According to the list as released by the INEC, at its Enugu State headquarters a total of 15 candidates will be slugging it out to occupy Lion Building(Seat of state power) in the 2027 general election.
WITHIN NIGERIA takes a look at the these candidates and their chances of clinching the number one political seat in the state.
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah(APC)
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the incumbent governor, is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2003, he contested under the platform of People’s Democratic Party, PDP but decamped to All Progressives Congress, APC in October 2025. Analysts said he is banking his political victory on his power of incumbency coupled with the ruling APC national outlook.
Chief Uchenna Nnaji(PDP)
Uchenna Nnaji is the immediate past minister of Science and Innovation. In 2003, he was the APC governorship candidate in the state. Shortly after the governor defected to APC, he cross carpeted to PDP. Political pundits said his chances are fifty, fifty. He is relying on the votes of Enugu people who are not happy with the governor for decamping to APC.
Chief Obodoeze Ocho(ADC)
Obodoeze Chukwuma Ocho is relatively new in politics.
However, he is the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, Zech Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited.
With over two decades of experience across the oil and gas sector, financial systems, and institutional governance, he brings a rare blend of competence, integrity, and forward thinking leadership.
Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa (ADC)
Sir Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa is a retired Nigerian federal permanent secretary, public administrator, and politician.
He was born on February 4, 1961, in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State.
He Served as the Accountant-General of Enugu State and later transitioned to the federal civil service.
He worked as a Federal Permanent Secretary in key ministries, including the Ministry of Power and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja.
He also Served as the Chairman of the Governing Council for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) until his voluntary resignation on February 23, 2026.
Edwin Alor(Accord Party)
The Accord Party is fielding in Edwin Alor as its Guber candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Edwin Alor is the immediate past chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
Prof. Jehu Nnaji(NNPP)
Prof. Jehu Nnaji is a US-based Professor of International law and global politics. He is contesting under the platform of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Okwudilichukwu Ugwu(LP)
The Labour Party (LP) is fielding Okwudilichukwu Ugwu. He is a relatively known person in the political spectrum of the state. According to political analysts, he is relying on the shoulder of Peter Obi to cause political upset, reminiscent of 2023 general elections.
Nnamdi Ugwu(DLA)
Nnamdi Ugwu is contesting on the platform of the relatively less popular party, Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA).
Anthony Udeani (YPP)
Young Progressives Party (YPP) has their candidate as Anthony Udeani. Analysts say he is a political greenhorn who may also cause some upheaval in the 2027 election.
Afamefuna Ani(APP)
Ani Afamefuna Samuel holds a doctorate. He contested the 2023 Enugu state governorship election as the Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate alongside running mate Aduaka Anthony Adinifekwu. He lost the election. Ani Afamefuna Samuel has contested 2 elections (2 losses) across 2 parties, receiving 59 total votes.
Ugwoke Elvis Chinazam(ZLP)
Ugwoke Elvis Chinazam is a candidate of Zenith Labour Party, ZLP. He contested the 2023 gubernatorial elections in the state.
Born circa 1987, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration qualification. His running mate in the election was Mba Daniel Okwudili.
During the 2023 governorship election, Ugwoke Elvis Chinazam was part of the ZLP ticket for Enugu State but ultimately lost the contest.
Friday Iloka(SDP)
Friday Iloka is coming to wrestle power with Gov. Peter Mbah from the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Nnamdi Omeje (ADP)
Action Democratic Party has Nnamdi Omeje as its candidate. He is not all that popular, politically at least in the state.
Ken Ikeh (APM)
Ken Ikeh is also a gubernatorial candidate from Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Chief Obioma Nnamani (BOOT)
Finally, Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) Party fielded Chief Ibikma Nnamani as their Guber candidate for the 2027 general elections.
However, with the emergence of the 15 candidates there is gainsaying the fact that all is now set for a crowded Guber general elections in the state.
Again, with the 15 candidates now on the ballot, the 2027 Enugu governorship election is said to be as competitive as ever.
