The race toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gathered significant momentum on Wednesday as aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) trooped to Abuja to obtain their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
The designated venue, Ladi Kwali Hall, Ballroom 2 of the Abuja Continental Hotel, witnessed a surge of political activity, with presidential, governorship, and National Assembly hopefuls—either in person or through representatives—completing the formalities required to join the contest.
Inside the hall, aspirants for the Senate and House of Representatives collected their forms from zonal desks, while a separate section catered to governorship hopefuls. The high turnout underscored growing expectations that direct primaries may be adopted in several states, particularly as aspirants without endorsements from influential party leaders stepped forward with proof of payment.
Oyo, Lagos Governorship Contests Heat Up
In Oyo State, governorship aspirants Senator Sharafadeen Alli and former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, officially entered the race. Alli, accompanied by senatorial hopeful Yunus Akintunde and Remi Oseni, emphasized his experience in governance and commitment to grassroots development.
“As Chief of Staff to former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, I was at the centre of governance, ensuring coordination and effective administration,” Alli stated.
The duo is expected to face off in the party’s governorship primaries scheduled for May 21.
In Lagos, the contest is becoming increasingly competitive despite a wave of endorsements. Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, obtained his forms, insisting on the need to deepen internal democracy within the party.
While acknowledging the endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat by party leaders, Adediran maintained that his ambition remains valid under the party’s guidelines, particularly if direct primaries are upheld.
Similarly, another aspirant, Dr Samuel Ajose, called for a level playing field, criticizing what he described as premature endorsements that could undermine fairness within the party.
Former APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo also joined the race, picking up nomination forms to contest for the Mushin Constituency II seat in the House of Representatives.
Endorsements Shape Political Dynamics
Despite assurances of open primaries, endorsements by influential figures continue to shape the political landscape. In Lagos, Hamzat’s candidacy received a major boost following endorsement by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, alongside support from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Addressing journalists, Hamzat expressed confidence in his preparedness, citing his experience as deputy governor.
“I know the system. I understand governance from within, and with the support of party leaders, I have no fear,” he said.
GAC Chairman Tajudeen Olusi dismissed criticisms of the consensus arrangement, insisting that internal consultations remain a legitimate part of party politics while affirming that primaries would still hold.
Anointments and Alignments Across States
In Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum endorsed Commissioner for Works, Mustapha Gubio, as his preferred successor, citing his track record in infrastructure development and post-insurgency reconstruction.
Similarly, in Yobe State, former Governor and Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, announced Baba Mallam Wali as the party’s preferred governorship candidate, consolidating support among party stakeholders.
However, the emergence of endorsed candidates has not deterred other aspirants. In Yobe, Senator Ibrahim Bomai and Kashim Tumsah have also purchased nomination forms, signaling potential contests despite internal alignments.
Election Timetable and Expanding Aspirations
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
Party primaries are set to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, with campaigns beginning in August and September 2026 for federal and state elections respectively.
Among notable aspirants nationwide, President Bola Tinubu has secured his forms, alongside challenger Stanley Osifo. Other governorship hopefuls include Solomon Adeola (Ogun), Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi), Mohammed Adamu (Nasarawa), and Mascot Uzor Kalu (Abia), among others.
Protests Erupt Over Alleged Imposition
Meanwhile, tensions surfaced in Ogun State, where APC members in Ijebu East Local Government Area staged a protest against what they described as attempts to impose candidates for legislative positions.
The protesters demanded adherence to zoning arrangements and credible primaries, arguing that their area had been marginalized in political representation for over a decade.
Responding, the state government urged calm, stressing that candidate selection would follow due process and established party mechanisms.
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