Official candidacy requires INEC candidate filing after party primaries. Party primaries run from April 23 - May 30, 2026. This page tracks party nominees, known declarations, expected runners, and credible political rumours across all election types.
Not Yet Declared
Presidential
Five-time presidential candidate. Has not formally declared but widely expected to contest.
Presidential
Former Labour presidential candidate now in the NDC opposition bloc. No formal joint ticket with Kwankwaso has been announced.
Presidential
Former NNPP presidential candidate now in the NDC opposition bloc. No formal joint ticket with Peter Obi has been announced.
Presidential
Former transport minister and two-term Rivers governor. Name circulates in presidential speculation.
Presidential
FCT minister and former Rivers governor. Has not declared; remains influential in PDP.
Not Yet Declared
Governorship · Rivers
1st-term governor. High-profile standoff with FCT Minister Wike may shape PDP primaries.
Governorship · Oyo
Seyi Makinde completes his second term before the 2027 cycle, so Oyo heads into an open governorship race shaped by the governor's influence rather than his candidacy.
Governorship · Kano
1st-term governor. NNPP stronghold; APC expected to mount a fierce challenge given Kano's size.
Governorship · Enugu
1st-term governor. PDP holds Enugu solidly; expected re-election bid.
Governorship · Abia
1st-term governor. Labour Party's only governor — re-election critical for LP's South East foothold.
Governorship · Kaduna
1st-term governor. Former senator who recaptured Kaduna for APC in 2023.
Governorship · Niger
1st-term governor. Former House Speaker ally; expected to seek second term.
Governorship · Katsina
1st-term governor in Buhari's home state. APC favoured to retain.
Governorship · Lagos
Lagos deputy governor with deep roots in the state APC establishment and cabinet experience across technology and infrastructure.
Governorship · Ogun
Dapo Abiodun completes his 2nd term. Multiple APC aspirants already positioning.
Governorship · Bauchi
Bala Mohammed in his 2nd term; PDP will field a successor candidate.
Not Yet Declared
Senate · Akwa Ibom North-West
Senate President since 2023. Expected to defend his seat; outcome shapes Senate leadership succession.
Senate · Abia North
Chief Whip of the Senate. Former Abia governor with a strong business-political base.
Senate · FCT
LP senator for FCT. Progressive voice in the 10th Senate; expected to face an APC challenger.
Senate · Delta North
Businessman-politician with a high media profile. Expected to defend his Delta North seat.
Senate · Borno South
Long-serving senator known for security advocacy in the North East. All 109 Senate seats are up.
Senate · Kogi Central
PDP senator who has faced high-profile suspensions. Eligibility for 2027 subject to outcome of ongoing proceedings.
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