Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally unveiled its full slate of governorship and deputy governorship candidates across 28 states, making a decisive statement of intent as the opposition party positions itself as a formidable challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections. The announcement, contained in a statement on Friday, September 4, 2026, by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, presents a diverse array of candidates drawn from politics, business, law, and the military, signaling the ADC's ambition to expand its electoral footprint far beyond its traditional bases .
Among the most high-profile candidates are Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, who will now fly the ADC flag in Nigeria's commercial capital alongside his running mate, Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere . In Delta State, the party has fielded Chief Great Ogboru, a seasoned politician and businessman who has previously contested for the state's top job . The list also features former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who will lead the ADC's charge in Kebbi State . Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita, a former lawmaker, has been chosen to fly the party's flag in Katsina State , while Halliru Dauda Jika, a former senator, will contest in Bauchi State .
The party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement posted on his verified X handle, declared that the unveiled candidates represent the ADC's commitment to offering Nigerians credible leadership and a genuine alternative to the political status quo. "The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presents our Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates across 28 states for the 2027 elections. These men and women will carry the ADC banner and our commitment to offer Nigerians credible leadership and a real alternative," Abdullahi stated . The party expressed confidence in the ability of the candidates to promote its vision of good governance, accountability, and people-centred leadership in their respective states .
The full list of candidates, as published by the party, covers a wide geographical spread, including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara . In Abia State, Kalu Kalu Agu will contest the governorship with Alozie Ogadinma Darlington as his running mate . Adamawa State will see Modibbo Hammantukur Ribadu and Aguwa Kevin Iliya fly the party's ticket . In Akwa Ibom, the party has selected Akpanudoedehe John James and Nsien Mkpombuk Tommy . Benue State will be contested by Rt. Hon. Herman Iorwase Hembe, a former House of Representatives member, with Abba John Abba as his deputy .
In Borno State, Babagana Buhari has been chosen as the governorship candidate, while Nkoyo Toyo will lead the ADC in Cross River State . Ebonyi State will see Ukpai Mba Udeh and Onwe Daniel Ede contest, while Enugu State will be represented by Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma and Eze Arinze Christopher . Gombe State has Bala Bello and Bala Sani Isa as its candidates . In Jigawa State, Sabo Mohammed Nakudu and Musa Ya'u Balarabe have been selected, while Kaduna State will be contested by Isa Mohammed Ashiru, a former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, with Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku as his running mate .
Kano State will see Ibrahim Ali Amin and Shehu Abdulkadir Bari contest, while Katsina State has Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita paired with Aminu Yar'adua Ahmed . Kwara State is represented by Zakari Mohammed and Olawuyi Julius Olayide, while Nasarawa State has Nuhu Angbazo and Ahmed Yusuf . In Niger State, Dr Mohammed Kpautagi will contest with Musa Mamman as his deputy . Ogun State has Biodun Collins Ogundipe and Muraina Oluwaranti Oluyemi, while Oyo State will see Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke and Wahab Adeniyi on the ADC ticket . Plateau State has Brigadier General John Sunday Sura (retired) with Pwajok-Kele Chundung Bitrus as his running mate , while Rivers State will be contested by Gabriel Pidomson . Sokoto State has Manir Muhammad Dan'iya as its governorship candidate, while the party also fielded candidates in Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara states .
The unveiling of the candidates comes as the ADC intensifies its efforts to build a robust opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. The party has been at the forefront of opposition unity talks, participating in the broader coalition of opposition parties seeking to challenge the APC's dominance . The ADC has also nominated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, further solidifying its position as a major opposition platform . The party's decision to field candidates in 28 states underscores its determination to establish a strong presence across the country and provide voters with a credible alternative to the ruling party.
The announcement comes just days before the official commencement of governorship campaigns, which are scheduled to begin on September 9, 2026 . With the elections set for February 6, 2027, the ADC's unveiling of its candidates marks a critical milestone in the electoral calendar, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for control of state governments across the federation . The party's candidates, drawn from a mix of experienced politicians and fresh faces, will now embark on the task of convincing voters that the ADC offers a better vision for their states. The ADC's leadership has expressed confidence that its candidates will resonate with voters who are increasingly disillusioned with the performance of the ruling APC and are seeking a change .
However, the ADC faces significant challenges. The party must contend with the APC's formidable incumbency advantage, including control of federal resources and extensive political machinery. The ADC must also overcome internal divisions that have at times plagued the party, including disputes over candidate nominations and access to the Independent National Electoral Commission's nomination portal . Despite these challenges, the ADC's unveiling of a full slate of candidates across 28 states demonstrates the party's seriousness of purpose and its determination to compete vigorously in the 2027 elections. As the political season heats up, the ADC's candidates will now hit the campaign trail, seeking to convince voters that the party offers a "real alternative" to the APC's rule.
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