…11 Women Seek Guber Seats, A/Ibom Leads
BY AZA MSUE, ACHOR ABIMAJE, LONGTONG YAKUBU, INIOBONG EKPONTA, FELIX IGBEKOYI, BABAJI USMAN BABAJI, ADEBAYO WAHEED, RICHARD NDOMA, AHMED TAHIR, ABDULLAHI OLESIN, and FEMI OYEWESO
No fewer than 160 candidates from varied political events are jostling for the governorship seats in 11 states because the 2027 elections draw nearer, setting the stage for a eager contest for management of the states’ govt mansions.
In Benue State, the governorship race is shaping up as a contest involving 12 political events, with two girls rising among the many candidates cleared to contest for the state’s high seat. They are Roseline Ada Chenge of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and Mercy Ujah Enegole of the Action Peoples Party (APP), whose inclusion within the closing checklist launched by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) brings a feminine dimension to the 2027 governorship contest.
The 10 male candidates embrace Benue State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; Michael Aondoakaa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and Prof. Terhemba Shija of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Others are Herman Iorwase Hembe of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nyibiam Kwaghshir of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Adagba Iorhen of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Dominic Ochenehi of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Mathias Terwase Byuan of the Labour Party (LP), Terese Paul Wombo of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Simon Ocheme Ogbe of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Although the checklist was anticipated to characteristic 13 governorship candidates, the title of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) flagbearer, Sebastine Hon (SAN), was lacking.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Weekend, a resident of Gyado Villa, Makurdi, Donald Terfa, recognized the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia of the APC and Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) of the PDP because the main contenders within the race.
Another resident, Aondona Tersuugh, mentioned the competition would possible be between Alia and Aondoakaa, barring any last-minute political realignment.
In Plateau State, 15 candidates are vying for the governorship seat, with Bingel Haruna Philomina of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) rising as the one feminine contender.
Speaking with our correspondent in Jos, a youth chief in Jos South LGA, Comrade Ayuba David, and Mrs Yop Yohanna expressed assist for the incumbent governor, citing the necessity for continuity.
In Kano State, 20 political events are fielding candidates for the 2027 governorship election, however none of these listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a lady.
Among the candidates are incumbent Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Other events within the race are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), Action Democratic Party (ADC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party, People’s Redemption Party (PRP), African Peoples Party (APP), All Allied Peoples Movement (AAPM), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Democratic Party (NDP).
Despite the participation of 20 events, the absence of ladies among the many listed governorship candidates highlights the continued problem of ladies’s illustration in elective political management, particularly within the north.
Meanwhile, residents who spoke on the forthcoming election expressed divergent views on the possible winner, with some backing the incumbent based mostly on his efficiency and others predicting a eager contest.
A resident, Umar Ibrahim, expressed confidence that Yusuf would win re-election, citing what he described because the governor’s developmental strides and infrastructural initiatives throughout the state.
According to him, Kano has witnessed a brand new look below the incumbent administration, including that many residents would need the governor to proceed with the event initiatives.
He mentioned the governor’s efficiency may give him a bonus over different contenders within the race.
However, one other resident, Abdulkadir Bala, predicted a good contest between Yusuf and Gwarzo, citing the assist loved by the NDC candidate from the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Bala famous that the motion performed a major position in Yusuf’s emergence as governor in 2023, arguing that its political affect may form the end result of the subsequent election.
He described the competition between the 2 candidates as a 50-50 race, saying both may emerge victorious relying on how political assist interprets into votes.
In Akwa Ibom State, though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared no fewer than 21 political events with candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial ballot, LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that many of the contenders are pretenders simply ready to withdraw from the race for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Umo Eno.
Among the highest contestants with buildings on the bottom, and dedication to offer Governor Eno a troublesome run for the coveted seat, it was gathered, are the serial governorship contender since 2011, and former nationwide secretary of the APC, Senator John James Akpanudoehe, who’s vying on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Hon Michael Enyong, a former House of Representatives member for Uyo federal constituency, going into the race on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the INEC checklist, 5 girls are within the race with Victoria Akpan of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Stella Monday of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as front-liners, amongst others.
In Delta State, 16 political events are fielding candidates in gubernatorial polls in, with just one political occasion, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) fielding lady.
James Oyibo, in his submission mentioned the incumbent governor, Sheriff Oborevwori of the APC will win.
Similarly, Paul Enebeli corroborated that APC is on floor within the state whereas different events are usually not too seen, stating that Governor Oborevwori will carry the day.
In Gombe State, 16 political events are additionally fielding candidates for the 2027 governorship election, however none has introduced a lady for the highest place.
Two girls, nevertheless, featured in solely deputy governorship positions.
The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has nominated Joy Samuel as its deputy governorship candidate, whereas the National Democratic Party (NDP) has Mariyatu Aliyu Sulaiman for a similar place. The remaining events have male candidates for each the governorship and deputy governorship positions.
Speaking on the possible final result of the election, a Gombe resident, Hamman Sale, predicted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Jamilu Gwamna, may emerge victorious if Professor Isa Ali Pantami fails to safe a spot on the poll on account of his ongoing authorized battles. According to him, Pantami’s absence may reshape the competition and enhance Gwamna’s probabilities of successful the governorship election.
Another resident, Sahabo Maina, mentioned the end result of the 2027 presidential election may considerably affect the governorship contest in Gombe State. He argued that if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wins the presidential election, Bala Tinka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may additionally profit, whereas a victory for President Bola Tinubu may strengthen Gwamna’s possibilities below the APC platform.
Maina, nevertheless, mentioned Pantami’s participation may make the race unpredictable, noting that many residents may rally behind the previous minister if he seems on the poll. (*11*) he mentioned.
In Oyo State, solely 16 political events are fielding governorship candidates within the 2027 normal election. Out of the quantity, there isn’t any feminine.
Meanwhile, residents have expressed divergent views over who’s more likely to win the election.
While a few of them consider that there needs to be continuity with what Governor Seyi Makinde has began, others mentioned there was the necessity for a change.
In Cross River, the ultimate checklist launched by INEC on October 11, 2026, confirmed that eight political events have been cleared for the 2027 ballot.
The events are All Progressives Congress (APC), All Peoples Party (APP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Labour Party (LP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
INEC omitted ADC and NDC from the ultimate checklist, and barred the 2 events from taking part within the 2027 governorship polls.
The two girls who would take part within the polls are Chigbe Chioma Vivian of National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Joelyne Ita Hogan Bassey of Action Democratic occasion (ADP)
A resident of Çàlabar South native authorities space of Cross River State, Miss Stella Effiom, believes that incumbent Governor Bassey Otu of the APC will win on account of incumbency, management of occasion construction throughout 18 LGAs and federal backing.
In an identical vein, a civil servant, Mr Kenn Edem, mentioned “Otu has done roads in Calabar and his wife’s projects have touched women, so people will still vote him.”
On the opposite, a resident of Ikom native authorities space, Mrs Manko Agbor, tipped the PDP candidate, Arthur Jarvis Archibong to trigger an upset.
Similarly, a trainer in Etung native authorities space in Cross River State, Mr Luis Bessong, mentioned PDP nonetheless has robust grassroots presence at Cross River Central, including that youths need change due to hardship and points across the Ikom Boki-Obudu freeway which the APC-led administration had failed to deal with.
In Ogoja/Yala, opinion is cut up. An Okada rider, Mr Thomas Ushi additionally predicted that Arthur Jarvis is more likely to clinch energy on the premise of sympathy votes which are more likely to come from younger folks.
On the opposite hand, Clifford Effiong mentioned APC stays favorite as a result of no different occasion fielded candidates for all 36 elective positions just like the APC did, which he mentioned, implies that the APC is healthier organised than another occasion.
In Ogun State, just one lady is among the many 13 governorship candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the 12 months 2027 election within the state.
The 58-years previous lady, Layi (*160*) Halima can be flying the governorship flag of her political occasion on the platform of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Ogun State.
With the exception of the embattled candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who’s but to be cleared, all different 12 guber contestants are nevertheless, male candidates who all can be plugging it out amongst themselves on the contest scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Ab initio, a number of the residents, who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend mentioned the Senator at the moment representing Ogun West Senatorial district on the National Assembly (NASS), Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, who’s the guber candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) is nevertheless, mentioned to have been extremely favoured to emerge winner of the competition given the diploma of acceptability and followership which his political occasion has been capable of garner over the interval.
Twelve candidates can be contesting the 2027 governorship election below varied political events in Kwara State.
The solely lady governorship candidate within the state, Jaiyeola Motuntayo is contesting the election below the platform of APM.
Other gubernatorial candidates embrace Yakubu Danladi- Salihu(APC), Kolo Ezekel (AA), Zakari Mohammed (ADC), Adeshina Ajisafe(ADP), Sule Ajayi(APGA), Omotosho Bamidele IIlyita (APP), Abdulmumini Yinka Ajia (NDC), Shola Victor Abioye (NDP), Omokanye David Adetoyese (NNPP), Kawu Sulyman Bolakale (PDP) and Apaokagi Ridwan Saludeen (SDP).
Some residents who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend mentioned they’ve choice for the APC guber candidate, Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
The respondents, Alhaja Islamiyyah Yusuf, Adamu Sabi Ibrahim and Engr Mohammed Gofe mentioned they like Danladi-Salihu as a result of he’s from Kwara North which has not produced a governor since 1999.
Alhaja Islamiyyah Yusuf mentioned she believes Danladi-Salihu would comply with the footsteps of the incumbent governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in girls and youths empowerment.
In Nasarawa State, 11 political events are fielding candidates for the governorship election.
They embrace the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Others embrace the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the Action Peoples Party (APP), the Labour Party (LP) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Our correspondent studies that there isn’t any lady within the lineup of contenders for the state’s topmost place.
A grain vendor on the Lafia Central Market , Malam Suleiman Ubandoma, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, Action Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, People’s Redemption Party, African Peoples Party, All Allied Peoples Movement, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Social Democratic Party and the New Democratic Party.
Despite the participation of 20 events, the absence of ladies among the many listed governorship candidates highlights the continued problem of ladies’s illustration in elective political management, particularly within the north.
Meanwhile, residents who spoke on the forthcoming election expressed divergent views on the possible winner, with some backing the incumbent based mostly on his efficiency and others predicting a eager contest.
A resident, Umar Ibrahim, expressed confidence that Yusuf would win re-election, citing what he described because the governor’s developmental strides and infrastructural initiatives throughout the state.
According to him, Kano has witnessed a brand new look below the incumbent administration, including that many residents would need the governor to proceed with the event initiatives.
He mentioned the governor’s efficiency may give him a bonus over different contenders within the race.
However, one other resident, Abdulkadir Bala, predicted a good contest between Yusuf and Gwarzo, citing the assist loved by the NDC candidate from the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Bala famous that the motion performed a major position in Yusuf’s emergence as governor in 2023, arguing that its political affect may form the end result of the subsequent election.
He described the competition between the 2 candidates as a 50-50 race, saying both may emerge victorious relying on how political assist interprets into votes.
In Akwa Ibom State, though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared no fewer than 21 political events with candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial ballot, LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that many of the contenders are pretenders simply ready to withdraw from the race for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Umo Eno.
Among the highest contestants with buildings on the bottom, and dedication to offer Governor Eno a troublesome run for the coveted seat, it was gathered, are the serial governorship contender since 2011, and former nationwide secretary of the APC, Senator John James Akpanudoehe, who’s vying on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Hon Michael Enyong, a former House of Representatives member for Uyo federal constituency, going into the race on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the INEC checklist, 5 girls are within the race with Victoria Akpan of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Stella Monday of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as front-liners, amongst others.
In Delta State, 16 political events are fielding candidates in gubernatorial polls in, with just one political occasion, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) fielding lady.
James Oyibo, in his submission mentioned the incumbent governor, Sheriff Oborevwori of the APC will win.
Similarly, Paul Enebeli corroborated that APC is on floor within the state whereas different events are usually not too seen, stating that Governor Oborevwori will carry the day.
In Gombe State, 16 political events are additionally fielding candidates for the 2027 governorship election, however none has introduced a lady for the highest place.
Two girls, nevertheless, featured in solely deputy governorship positions.
The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has nominated Joy Samuel as its deputy governorship candidate, whereas the National Democratic Party (NDP) has Mariyatu Aliyu Sulaiman for a similar place. The remaining events have male candidates for each the governorship and deputy governorship positions.
Speaking on the possible final result of the election, a Gombe resident, Hamman Sale, predicted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Jamilu Gwamna, may emerge victorious if Professor Isa Ali Pantami fails to safe a spot on the poll on account of his ongoing authorized battles. According to him, Pantami’s absence may reshape the competition and enhance Gwamna’s probabilities of successful the governorship election.
Another resident, Sahabo Maina, mentioned the end result of the 2027 presidential election may considerably affect the governorship contest in Gombe State. He argued that if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wins the presidential election, Bala Tinka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may additionally profit, whereas a victory for President Bola Tinubu may strengthen Gwamna’s possibilities below the APC platform.
Maina, nevertheless, mentioned Pantami’s participation may make the race unpredictable, noting that many residents may rally behind the previous minister if he seems on the poll. (*11*) he mentioned.
In Oyo State, solely 16 political events are fielding governorship candidates within the 2027 normal election. Out of the quantity, there isn’t any feminine.
Meanwhile, residents have expressed divergent views over who’s more likely to win the election.
While a few of them consider that there needs to be continuity with what Governor Seyi Makinde has began, others mentioned there was the necessity for a change.
In Cross River, the ultimate checklist launched by INEC on October 11, 2026, confirmed that eight political events have been cleared for the 2027 ballot.
The events are All Progressives Congress (APC), All Peoples Party (APP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Labour Party (LP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
INEC omitted ADC and NDC from the ultimate checklist, and barred the 2 events from taking part within the 2027 governorship polls.
The two girls who would take part within the polls are Chigbe Chioma Vivian of National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Joelyne Ita Hogan Bassey of Action Democratic occasion (ADP)
A resident of Çàlabar South native authorities space of Cross River State, Miss Stella Effiom, believes that incumbent Governor Bassey Otu of the APC will win on account of incumbency, management of occasion construction throughout 18 LGAs and federal backing.
In an identical vein, a civil servant, Mr Kenn Edem, mentioned “Otu has done roads in Calabar and his wife’s projects have touched women, so people will still vote him.”
On the opposite, a resident of Ikom native authorities space, Mrs Manko Agbor, tipped the PDP candidate, Arthur Jarvis Archibong to trigger an upset.
Similarly, a trainer in Etung native authorities space in Cross River State, Mr Luis Bessong, mentioned PDP nonetheless has robust grassroots presence at Cross River Central, including that youths need change due to hardship and points across the Ikom Boki-Obudu freeway which the APC-led administration had failed to deal with.
In Ogoja/Yala, opinion is cut up. An Okada rider, Mr Thomas Ushi additionally predicted that Arthur Jarvis is more likely to clinch energy on the premise of sympathy votes which are more likely to come from younger folks.
On the opposite hand, Clifford Effiong mentioned APC stays favorite as a result of no different occasion fielded candidates for all 36 elective positions just like the APC did, which he mentioned, implies that the APC is healthier organised than another occasion.
In Ogun State, just one lady is among the many 13 governorship candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the 12 months 2027 election within the state.
The 58-years previous lady, Layi (*160*) Halima can be flying the governorship flag of her political occasion on the platform of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Ogun State.
With the exception of the embattled candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who’s but to be cleared, all different 12 guber contestants are nevertheless, male candidates who all can be plugging it out amongst themselves on the contest scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Ab initio, a number of the residents, who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend mentioned the Senator at the moment representing Ogun West Senatorial district on the National Assembly (NASS), Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, who’s the guber candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) is nevertheless, mentioned to have been extremely favoured to emerge winner of the competition given the diploma of acceptability and followership which his political occasion has been capable of garner over the interval.
Twelve candidates can be contesting the 2027 governorship election below varied political events in Kwara State.
The solely lady governorship candidate within the state, Jaiyeola Motuntayo is contesting the election below the platform of APM.
Other gubernatorial candidates embrace Yakubu Danladi- Salihu(APC), Kolo Ezekel (AA), Zakari Mohammed (ADC), Adeshina Ajisafe(ADP), Sule Ajayi(APGA), Omotosho Bamidele IIlyita (APP), Abdulmumini Yinka Ajia (NDC), Shola Victor Abioye (NDP), Omokanye David Adetoyese (NNPP), Kawu Sulyman Bolakale (PDP) and Apaokagi Ridwan Saludeen (SDP).
Some residents who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend mentioned they’ve choice for the APC guber candidate, Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
The respondents, Alhaja Islamiyyah Yusuf, Adamu Sabi Ibrahim and Engr Mohammed Gofe mentioned they like Danladi-Salihu as a result of he’s from Kwara North which has not produced a governor since 1999.
Alhaja Islamiyyah Yusuf mentioned she believes Danladi-Salihu would comply with the footsteps of the incumbent governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in girls and youths empowerment.
In Nasarawa State, 11 political events are fielding candidates for the governorship election.
They embrace the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Others embrace the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the Action Peoples Party (APP), the Labour Party (LP) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Our correspondent studies that there isn’t any lady within the lineup of contenders for the state’s topmost place.
A grain vendor on the Lafia Central Market , Malam Suleiman Ubandoma, mentioned it’s time for the state to search for a substitute for the APC.
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