Consultations are intensifying across the nation’s 8809 wards as the various political parties activate their machinery for the nomination of candidates for elective offices in next year’s elections.

The nomination process, whether by consensus or primaries, is due to officially commence on Thursday, April 23 and end on Saturday, May 30 2026,under the revised election guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Disputes arising from the nomination process are also expected to be resolved within the same period.

Reports from the states suggest that the parties seem to be largely in favour of consensus in picking their candidates.

The principal reason for this is that it saves them money, time and energy and also minimizes disputes and tension.

Some party members are, however , opposed to consensus, believing it is not democratic enough and could be deployed as a tool for the imposition of candidates by vested interests.

Last Monday, the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) picked Senator Olamilekan Solomon popularly called Yayi as its consensus candidate.

Yayi is from the Ogun West Senatorial District which is yet to have its own as governor of the state since its inception in 1976.

The APC is the most active party in the state currently.

The PDP governorship candidate in the state in 2023, Ladi Adebutu, is believed to still be nursing the aspiration of ruling the state although he said the party would support President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The Lagos State chapter of the APC is also working on a consensus to pick Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as its flag bearer for the governorship race.

Hamzat has been criss-crossing the state to seek the blessing of stakeholders.

Like Ogun, APC is the dominant party in Lagos State.

The PDP has been depleted by the defection of some of its influential members while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is still trying to find its feet.

In Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli who currently represents Oyo South in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly formally declared his interest in the governorship race last Friday on the platform of the APC.

Incumbent Governor of the state Seyi Makinde who had promised last year to name his successor in January , is yet to do so following the crisis in his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

But he confirmed that PDP candidatesfor all positions would be chosen by consensus because, as he said, itseems the best way to present a formidable house ahead of the elections.

Close to 10 PDP members are currently showing interest in the Oyo governorship race.

Recently, the Governor’s Advisory Council invited the PDPaspirants for an “interaction” for them to present and discuss their plans and programmes for Oyo State and the Agodi Government House job.

Chairman of the council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) said the interaction was to create a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the primaries. It was also meant to assess their credentials, experience, and acceptability, while helping the party build internal consensus before choosing a strong governorship candidate.

Ayorinde, however, insisted the process was not a screening exercise. According to him, it was simply an “interaction” between the council and the aspirants, designed to ensure that no one was imposed on the party from any quarter.

In the case of the APC, observers are of the view that Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and Chairman of the Governing Council of Dave Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Ebonyi State, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu are unlikely to seek the governorship ticket having not resignedtheir appointment on or before March 31,2026 as required by the Electoral Act.

Other APC governorship aspirants in the state , notably Dr Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK) and Hakeem Alao, fondly called Allow Alao are displeased by reports that Senator Alli may have been penned down as the party’s consensus candidate.

The duo are demanding free, fair and transparent primaries or be consulted duly if consensus arrangement would be adopted.

Party elders in the state are said to be intensifying efforts in getting candidates for all elective offices chosen by consensus.

The ADC in the state is factionalized. As at yesterday, it was not clear how it intends to pick its candidates in the state.

Popular broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has no rival for the governorship ticket of Accord Party in the state, at least for now.

Adamawa State

The ADC in Adamawa, home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, seems to have disintegrated even before the commencement of primaries for the coming elections.

Critical stakeholders including popular governorship aspirant Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani yesterday passed a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the party and decided to pull out.

They cited the collapse of internal democracy for their action.

They are now in search of a viable political platform for effective participation in the 2027 general elections, particularly the governorship race in Adamawa State.

Rising from a meeting in Yola yesterday where they reviewed the recently conducted party congresses in the state, the ADC members declared that the actions of the party leadership at both state and national levels “have destroyed internal democracy, undermined the rule of law, and rendered the party structure in Adamawa State illegitimate and unacceptable.”

They faulted the congresses conducted under the leadership of Ishaya Bauka,describing them as fundamentally flawed, manipulated, and imposed against the will of the majority of party members.

“Valid court judgments and subsisting injunctions were deliberately ignored, setting a dangerous precedent of lawlessness within the party,” they said in a communiqué.

Continuing, they said: “The party leadership engaged in systematic exclusion, imposition, and intimidation of genuine stakeholders and aspirants.

“The party has consequently lost moral legitimacy and can no longer serve as a credible platform for democratic participation in Adamawa State.

“In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of justice, political survival, and the people of Adamawa State, we unanimously resolve as follows:

“We pass a vote of no confidence on the ADC leadership at both the State and National levels for their complicity in the collapse of internal democracy.

“We hereby announce our immediate and irreversible resignation en masse from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State.

“We categorically reject the outcomes of the recently conducted congresses and declare them null, void, and of no consequence.

“We resolve to immediately align with a more credible and democratic political platform that guarantees fairness, justice, and respect for the rule of law.

“We unanimously mandate Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani to lead stakeholders in determining and transitioning into a viable political platform for effective participation in the 2027 general elections, particularly the Governorship race in Adamawa State.

“A structured and coordinated movement of stakeholders and supporters across Polling Units, Wards, LGAs, and the State will commence immediately to ensure a seamless transition.

“We shall embark on aggressive grassroots mobilization, political education, and structural rebuilding under the new political platform to ensure electoral victory.

“The ADC, by its actions, has abdicated its responsibility as a democratic institution in Adamawa State. We refuse to be part of a system that thrives on injustice, impunity, and illegality.

“This decision marks the beginning of a new political direction anchored on credibility, inclusiveness, and true democratic ideals.”

Gombe State

In a move to avoid crisis in the process of selecting candidates , APC stakeholders inGombe State have resolved to “work together with sincerity,discipline,and a shared vision for the success “ of the party in the state and at the national level.

The participants ,including Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, Deputy Governor Daniel Jatau, governorship and national/state assembly aspirants,”agreed to give consensus a genuine chance,in the spirit of unity, resource preservation, and party strength, while reserving the right to participate in direct primaries if consensus genuinely fails.”

The aspirants pledged to “abide by the outcome of the process, whether consensus or direct primaries, and to refrain from actions that could undermine the party’s unity or chances at the general election.”

Kaduna State

The build-up to the 2027 election in Kaduna State is unfolding less like a contest and more like a strategic reshuffle, with alignments and realignments steadily redrawing the political map. While formal declarations are still sparse, early indicators suggest that the shape of the race may be determined long before party primaries are officially called.

At the centre of the unfolding dynamics is the ruling APC, which, by virtue of incumbency, retains a commanding advantage. Governor Uba Sani, who leads the party structure in the state, is seeking a second term, effectively narrowing the party’s internal contest and shifting attention to consolidation rather than competition.

This anticipated continuity within the APC suggests that the party may not require a rigorous process for its governorship ticket.

A rather delicate calculation lies in the selection of his running mate, a decision that will be based on the peculiarreligious and ethnic compositionof the state.

Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe will not be eligible as she would have served for two terms.

Her replacement is expected to trigger intense behind-the-scenes lobbying, with various blocs within the APC angling for relevance in what could become the party’s only real “contest.

In stark contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once the state’s most formidable opposition platform, appears to be in steep decline. The crisis at the national level has eroded its popularity.

The defection of all three senators elected on the PDP platform in 2023, alongside the recent resignation of the party’s governorship candidate, Mohammed Isah Ashiru, underscores the scale of the party’s disintegration. With its leadership depleted and morale weakened, the PDP is unlikely to mount a serious challenge unless it undergoes a rapid and unlikely internal reset.

Filling the vacuum, however, is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is emerging as a potential rallying point for opposition forces. Yet, the party’s rise is complicated by internal fissures, particularly the growing influence of a faction aligned with former governor Nasir El-Rufai, which now appears to dominate its structure in the state.

This dominance has, paradoxically, both strengthened and destabilised the ADC. On one hand, it has attracted prominent political actors seeking an alternative platform; on the other, it has intensified internal contestation, making the process of candidate selection highly sensitive and potentially divisive.

To manage these tensions, there are strong indications that the ADC may opt for a consensus arrangement in choosing its governorship candidate. Such a strategy, while often criticised for limiting internal democracy, may prove to be the party’s best chance of avoiding the kind of post-primary crises that have historically weakened opposition efforts in the state.

Ultimately, the Kaduna 2027 governorship race is shaping into a contest defined less by open primaries and more by controlled political engineering. While the APC consolidates around incumbency, and the ADC experiments with consensus as a survival strategy, the PDP’s decline leaves a fragmented opposition space—one that may yet produce surprises, but for now appears tilted in favour of continuity.

Kano State

The selection of APC candidates will testthe cohesion of the party following the recent defection of Governor Abba Yusuf and many of his followers from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

While the governor’s nomination for a second termmay sail through without much ado, same cannot be said of the contest for Kano North Senatorial ticket between Deputy President of the Senate Barau jibrin and former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, who declared his interest in the ticket yesterday.

The APC Is banking on Governor Yusuf’s magic to work its charm.

With Jibrin, Minister of State for Housing Abdullahi Yusuf Ata, immediate past National Chairman of APC Abdullahi Gandujeand Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, on board, the ruling party has some heavy hitters.

But they will have to manage the selection process otherwise they have a big problem on their hands.

Governor Yusuf is likely to emerge as the party’s candidate. For his deputy, three names have just been submitted to replace Aminu Gwarzo who resigned recently to join ADC.

However, there are potential pitfalls. Internal conflicts and rivalries over who gets which ticket and or position could undermine APC’s efforts in the state.

The ADC in Kano led by former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is still working its way up even after attracting some formidable politicians to its fold including APC governorship candidate in 2023 Yusuf Gawuna,the immediate past deputy governor Aminu Gwarzo and Senator Rufai Sani Hanga representing Kano Central Zone

Yusuf Gawuna is being discussed as the ADC governorship candidate in the state, with Aminu Gwarzo as the running mate.

The choice of ADC candidates for the various offices will largely be determined by Kwakwaso, leaving little or no room for dissension.

The influence of PDP in Kano has waned considerably and the few stalwarts left are being aggressively wooed by the APC and ADC.

The 2027 general election in Kano is shaping up to be a wild ride, with each party fighting tooth and nail. The suspense is much.

Nasarawa State

With Governor Abdullahi Sule announcing Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred successor last Thursday, all that remains for the APC in the state now is to reconcile other governorship aspirants and focus on the choice of candidates for the national and state assembly elections.

Sule said the process of identifying a suitable successor had been on for over a year, involving wide consultations that went beyond the boundaries of Nasarawa State.

He said the consultations included discussions with foreign and prospective investors, youth groups, women organisations, traditional rulers, party officials and various stakeholders from across the state’s three senatorial zones, as well as selected members of his cabinet.

“We had to look for people who have the capacity to be able to win this election,” the governor said.

He explained that after exhaustive consultations, the field was eventually narrowed to three aspirants, each of whom was considered capable of winning, adding that further consultations were conducted before a final decision was reached in favour of Senator Wadada.

He expressed satisfaction that the aspirants from Nasarawa West Senatorial District had responded with commendable maturity, meeting among themselves and agreeing collectively to support whoever emerged as the preferred candidate.

Already, some of the APC governorship aspirants from Nasarawa West Senatorial district have accepted the decision of the governor and congratulated Senator Wadada as the preferred choice of the governor.

Those who accepted the decision are Dr Musa Maikaya and former Accountant General of the State, Dr Musa Ahmed Muhammad, former Commissioner in the State,Barr Tanimun Adason.

On its part, the PDP settled for Dr David Emmanuel Umbumgadu, the party’s 2019 and 2023 governorship candidate and leader of the party in the state.

He was a two term member of the House of Representatives for Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba between 2011-2019.

He emerged leader of the party having installed all the structures of the party across the state from polling units to the state level.

Dr Umbumgadu recently dumped the PDP for the ruling APC with the hope of aligning with Governor Abdullahi Sule to pick the ruling party’s ticket, but quickly returned back to PDP when he discovered that the party’s calculation might not favour him.

The ADC has three governorship aspirants in the state: the Senator representing Nasarawa South, Mohammed Onawo, former Minister of Environment Barr Muhammad Hassan Abdullahi and Rtd Major General Nuhu Angbazo.

The state publicity secretary of ADC, Dr Sunday Temako told The Nation that the party would adopt consensus in picking its candidate but where that fails, it would go for direct primaries as stipulated by law.

The Social Democratic party (SDP) which has considerable following in the state has chosen as its governorship candidate, Hon Jonathan Gaza Gbewfi, a three-term member of the House of Representatives, from Karu/Kokona/Keffi. He was elected for a third term in 2023 on the platform of the party.

Hon Gaza hails from the Nasarawa West Senatorial district where agitation for the 2027 governorship is strong.

Rivers State

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his camp are keeping mumon his aspiration for reelection

For much of his first term ,the governor was locked in a stand off with his immediate predecessor and estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister himself is keeping his card close to his chest on his choice for the governorship seat in 2027.

While observers have been discussing who he could be supporting for the governorship,the minister has repeatedly said the only person he has endorsed so far is President Tinubu.

He also said that he would consult the elders in his camp on his choice and that even if they object to it he would convince them to accept him.

Wike said: “Those of you sending people to preach ethnicity, it will not work. I will work with those who are sincere, not minding where the person comes from. I will sit here some people are parading themselves; putting themselves in groups saying Ijaw groups continuity, Ogoni group, Ikwere groups, continue to group yourself. It is me you are using to group.

“I have not promised anybody anything as it concerns 2027 . I have not endorsed anybody for any position, from senate, reps , governorship or state assembly. The only person I have declared support for in 2027 is President Bola Tinubu. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you to lose the little you already have.”

A source close to the governor said only Fubara would decide his fate, insisting that the governors in the APC and the national leadership of the APC are willing to give him the ticket.

He said: “It is only the governor that will decide his fate. He has the support of his colleagues and residents of the state. His support in the state can always be rekindled. But we are waiting for his decision”.

Imo State

Consensus is hugely favoured by the parties in Imo State for the purpose of picking their candidates.

Party sources said in Owerri that lack of consensus in the past was one of the reasons why successive governors struggledto install their successors.

Chief Achike Udenwa, who governed the state between 1999 and 2007 was unable to install hissuccessor owing to irreconcilable differences with his deputy, Ebere Udeagu.

Chief Ikedi Ohakim who was elected in 2007 lost his reelection bid and could not have his man succeed him, while Rochas Okorocha who followed him in 2011 could not hand over to his preferred candidate, largely due to internal party resistance against his alleged attempt to impose his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu.

His successor, Emeka Ihedioha, who emerged victorious in the 2019 election, also could not shape succession plans following the abrupt end of his tenure after the Supreme Court ruling that brought in Senator Hope Uzodimma as governor.

As the 2027 race approaches, Governor Uzodimma has remained tight-lipped on his preferred successor, fueling speculation within political circles. However, party insiders suggest that he may favour the immediate past APC State Chairman, MacDonald Ebere.

Sources within the ruling party indicate that the governor is considering a consensus arrangement to pick the APC governorship candidate.

Uzodimma has advised aspirants and supporters to manage expectations and avoid conflict during the coming primaries.

“Ambition is not a crime, but we must be mature enough to handle both successes and failures,” he told APC members in Orlu Zone during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House Annex, Eziachi in Orlu.

Uzodimma commended the Zone for its performance in past elections despite security challenges, noting that their commitment helped sustain the APC’s dominance in Imo State.

He praised party faithful for embracing consensus during congresses, describing it as a “sign of political maturity.”

He emphasised that future opportunities would depend on electoral contributions, adding that party loyalty and performance would be closely monitored.

The Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Austin Onyedebelu, urged members to forgive one another and close ranks ahead of the primaries.

“We must resolve our differences with maturity and move forward together,” he said, appealing for reconciliation.

Abia lawmakers to get automatic tickets, as parties poised to for consensus

In Abia State, the leadership of the ruling Labour Party (LP) is said to be weighing the option of automatic return ticket for serving National and State Assembly members from the state.

It was gathered that the decision is a deliberate effort by Governor Alex Otti to reward the lawmakers for their loyalty and support for his administration and to ensure continuedpeace in the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Nenadi Usman led faction of the party to which Otti belongs is said to have decided to give the governor an automatic return ticket.

Other political parties, including the APC are alsoadopting the consensus format to pick their candidates.

Benue State

The Benue State chapter of APC is not foreclosing direct primaries especially in picking its governorship candidate.

The party’s Organizing Secretary James Ornguga told The Nation that Governor Hyacinth Alia has performed well in his first term and is ready for any challenge to get a return ticket.

He was optimistic that the governor wouldget a return ticket irrespective of the mode of selection for choosing the party’s governorship candidate.

The Abdurahman Mohammed faction of the PDP in the state said its major task is to return to power in the state in 2027 and to achieve that it will adopt “a comprehensive and sincere consensus” to pick its candidates.

Secretary of the Benue State chapter of the party, Dan Nyikwgh said: “after we lost elections in 2023, the party has faced multiple challenges arising from congresses across all levels including the national leadership, but now that the court of appeal has confirmed the authentic national chairman in person of Ahaji Abdurahman Mohammed, the party is rebuilding .

” We’re gradually becoming yet another beautiful bride. Those who left the party due to the crises are coming back, we need to sit down and talk to accommodate every interest.

“The umbrella is big enough to accommodate every interest; above all ex-Governor Samuel Ortom has been providing leadership, and our sole interest now is to take over power from the government of Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

” And this much, every other contestant knows that , this is a must-do task, and we can only achieve this through a comprehensive and sincere consensus.Therefore, any mode of selection our leaders in PDP agree upon , including consensus, would be done .

A key member of ADC In the state, Barr. Alex Adumsaid the party might go for direct primaries.

Kwara State

The Kwara State chapter of APC may also opt for consensus.

Its chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi said recently that the party would try as much as possible to avoid acrimonious primaries.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has repeatedly denied having a preferred candidate and asked for a level playing field for all aspirants .

The biggest challenge for the party now is determining the zone to produce its governorship candidate.

Aspirants from Kwara North senatorial district have clamoured assiduously for the shift of governorship seat to the region.

They claim that their region has not had a shot at the exalted position.

The aspirants are being backed by the Kwara State APC Elders Caucus. The caucus is being led by an octogenarian Chief James Ayeni.

The elders hinged their support for the region of fairness, equity and justice.

So far, four aspirants from Kwara North had signified their governorship ambition. They are current Speaker of the state House of Assembly Salihu Yakubu Danladi, Senator representing Kwara North Sadiq Suleiman Umar, former Transportation Minister Bio Ibrahim and a chartered accountant Tajudeen Audu.

From Kwara South and Central senatorial districtsare former chairman, Senate Committee on Health Dr Yahaya Oloriegbe, Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, ex-APC chairman Hon Bashir Bolarinwa, Oluwatoyin Tajudeen Alabi all from Kwara Central and South respectively.

Bolarinwa, former House of Representatives member, on Thursday presented his letter of intent to the APC leadership in the state.

The only known governorship aspirant from PDP isOmar Bolaji Gambari, son of former of Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof Ibrahim Gambari

Investigations revealed that Mr Gambari has the backing of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

However, neither the PDP nor ADC has disclosed the process that will lead to the emergence of their candidates.

Plateau State

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has no competitor from his party APC for now and party chairman Rufus Ɓature said in Jos that the party is one solid entity.

In picking other candidates, Bature said consensus is the primary consideration but where consensus fails,’we’ll go for direct primaries.”

Chairman of ADC Hannatu Gagara said the party would adopt the best option.

“We might go for direct primaries or consensus, because I know more aspirants will vie for positions,” she said.

“But in the event that the aspirants are few, we have no option than to go for consensus. For now we are not certain yet, discussion is still going on.”

Delta State

The contest for the APC senatorial ticket in Delta North promises to be a tough one as former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa indicated his plan to challenge the incumbent Senator Ned Munir Nwoko.

Some political leaders in the senatorial district are said to have prevailed on the former governor to stage a return to the Senate for a better representation of Delta North.

He was in the senate between 2011 and 2015 before becoming governor in 2015

Nwoko, declaring his intention to seek re-election on Friday said his performance in the Senate has been driven by a commitment to amplifying the voices of his constituents and addressing their socio-economic challenges.

“The people know me, and I know them. I understand their needs and I am committed to solving their problems,” he said.

The lawmaker also pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence in the President’s leadership and ongoing reforms at the national level.

On infrastructure in the education sector, Nwoko disclosed plans to upgrade the Federal College of Education, Asaba, into a federal university.

He described the move as strategic to expanding access to higher education and fostering development in the region.

He further urged constituents to remain steadfast in their support for progressive governance, cautioning against a return to what he termed “old politics.”

Addressing the issue of Anioma State creation, Nwoko aligned himself with the position of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that Akpabio’s stance represents the official position on the matter.

Accord fixes nomination fees, sets April 25 deadline

The Accord Party has announced its nomination fees for elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that its electoral window will close on April 25.

The Lagos State Chairman of the party, Mr Dele Oladeji, revealed this in a statement in Lagos issued following the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Oladeji said the NEC meeting was the final session to determine key pre-election activities, including nomination fees, primary election dates and mode of primaries.

“The NEC meeting serves as the concluding meeting for the fixing of nomination fees, primary date and the primary mode ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Oladeji said.

According to him, the approved nomination and expression of interest fees for governorship aspirants under the Accord platform are N10 million and N5 million respectively.

For the Senate aspirants, Oladeji said the nomination fee was N5 million while the expression of interest fees remained N2.5 million.

For the House of Representatives, he said that the nomination and expression of interest fees are N3.5 million and N1.5 million respectively.

Oladeji explained that aspirants for the state House of Assembly seats will pay N1 million and N500,000 for nomination and expression of interest fees respectively.

“We are also warning of the closure to the electoral window on April 25. Membership registration ends on April 26, same as the purchase of nomination forms,” he said.

Oladeji called on Lagos residents seeking change in governance to align with the party.

“Accord is the party to vote for. If you desire a change in governance, then you need to change the party that will govern Lagos State from 2027.

“Accord is making a clarion call for patriotic change agents to join the party, contest and win, so as to be involved in the governance of Lagos State,” Oladeji said.

The chairman also pledged reforms in key state agencies and policies.

“Accord is leading the charge for a cleanup of bad political leadership and governance.

“We will elect patriotic leaders who will reform the state to bring human face to governance and policies,” he said.

Oladeji added that the party’s primary elections would commence on May 21. (The Nation)

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