ADC unveils governorship and deputy candidates in 28 Nigerian states

The African Democratic Congress has unveiled its governorship and deputy governorship candidates in 28 Nigerian states, giving its 2027 election campaign a major boost ahead of the formal start of campaigning.

Among the party’s best-known nominees are former presidential aide Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos, former Kaduna governorship candidate Isa Ashiru, former Delta governorship candidate Great Ogboru and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami. The ADC also selected Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita to contest in Katsina.

The party announced the candidates in a statement shared on X by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi. It said the nominees would carry the ADC’s banner and its commitment to providing Nigerians with credible leadership and a “real alternative” in the 2027 elections.

Rhodes-Vivour will run in Lagos with Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere as his running mate. Ashiru will contest Kaduna alongside Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku, while Ogboru will run in Delta with Afiari Gloria. Kaita’s running mate in Katsina will be Aminu Yar’Adua Ahmed, and Malami will contest in Kebbi with Zagi Musa Mohammed.

Other notable candidates include Senator Halliru Dauda Jika in Bauchi, former House of Representatives member Herman Iorwase Hembe in Benue, former House member Zakari Mohammed in Kwara and former Nigerian Army officer Brigadier General John Sunday Sura in Plateau. The party also named candidates in Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara. The governorship elections are scheduled for Feb. 6, 2027, with campaigns due to begin on Sept. 9, 2026.

“

real alternative