2027: ADC Unveils Governorship, Deputy Candidates in 28 States

The African Democratic Congress has announced its governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections in 28 states as the party prepares to challenge other political parties across the country.

The candidates were unveiled on Friday ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party presenting several well-known politicians and former public officials to contest its governorship tickets. The announcement was made by the party through a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

Among the notable names on the list are former Lagos State governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former Kaduna State governorship candidate Isa Ashiru, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and former Delta State governorship candidate Great Ogboru.

The party also selected Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita to contest the governorship election in Katsina, while Senator Halliru Dauda Jika will fly the party’s flag in Bauchi. Other notable candidates include former House of Representatives members Herman Iorwase Hembe and Zakari Mohammed, who will contest in Benue and Kwara respectively.

In Plateau State, the ADC has chosen retired Brigadier General John Sunday Sura as its governorship candidate. The party is also fielding candidates in Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

In Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour will contest alongside Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere, who has been picked as his running mate. Ashiru will contest in Kaduna with Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku as his deputy.

Ogboru will contest the Delta governorship election with Afiari Gloria, while Kaita will contest in Katsina with Aminu Yar’adua Ahmed. In Kebbi, Malami will contest alongside Zagi Musa Mohammed.

The ADC said the candidates would represent the party in the 2027 elections as it seeks to offer voters another political option. Their selection comes as parties intensify preparations for the next round of governorship and other elections.

The governorship elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027, while campaigns are expected to officially begin on September 9, 2026.

In Abia, the ADC candidate is Kalu Kalu Agu, with Alozie Ogidimma Darlington as deputy. Adamawa has Modibbo Hammantukur Ribadu and Aguwa Kevin Iliya, while Akwa Ibom has Akpanudoedehe John James and Nsien Mkpombuk Tommy.

Bauchi will be contested by Halliru Dauda Jika and Sama’ila Mohammed Kabir, while Benue has Herman Iorwase Hembe and Abba John Abba. In Borno, Babagana Buhari will contest with Mamman Dauda, while Nkoyo Toyo and Okwoche Andrew Adagbor will represent the party in Cross River.

Ebonyi’s ticket goes to Ukpai Mba Udeh and Onwe Daniel Ede, while Enugu has Ocho Obodoze Chukwuma and Eze Arinze Christopher. Bala Bello and Bala Sani Isa will contest in Gombe, while Sabo Mohammed Nakudu and Musa Ya’u Balarabe will fly the ADC flag in Jigawa.

In Kano, Ibrahim Ali Amin will contest with Shehu Abdulkadir Bari. Kwara’s candidates are Zakari Mohammed and Olawuyi Julius Olayide, while Nuhu Angbazo and Ahmed Yusuf will contest in Nasarawa.

The ADC ticket in Niger belongs to Dr Mohammed Kpautagi and Musa Mamman, while Biodun Collins Ogundipe and Muraina Oluwaranti Oluyemi will contest in Ogun. Oyo will be represented by Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke and Wahab Adeniyi.

In Rivers, Gabriel Pidomson will contest with Okumgba David Amapakaye. Manir Mohammad Daniya and Isah Bello Ambarura will represent the party in Sokoto, while Abubakar Umar Tutare and Kwetishe Haruna Kwenyan will contest in Taraba.

The ADC candidates in Yobe are Kassim G. Gaidam and Kori Lawan Mohammed, while Shinkafi Bilyaminu Yusuf and Muhammad Abdulmuddalib Auwal will contest in Zamfara.

The announcement gives the ADC a defined set of candidates across the 28 states as political parties move into the campaign period and prepare their structures for the 2027 elections.