2027: Running-mate battle heats up as INEC opens gov’ship candidates’ portal

The battle for deputy governorship slots has intensified across the states as political parties move to upload the names and particulars of their governorship, deputy governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had opened its portal on Saturday, with the exercise scheduled to run until August 8.

The development is coming after controversial party primaries, leaving the selection of running mates as one of the final major hurdles for several governorship candidates.

Across the states, religion, senatorial zones, local government areas, gender, age and political alliances are shaping the choices.

In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani of the APC and Isa Ashiru of the ADC are yet to name their running mates. While Ashiru has reportedly ceded the slot to former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s camp, the APC is also expected to look towards Southern Kaduna. Hadiza Balarabe, the incumbent deputy governor, is ineligible for another term after completing two terms.

In Bauchi, Yakubu Adamu of the APM has picked Mahmoud Babamaji Abubakar; Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar of the APC chose Farouk Mustapha, while Usman Adamu Suphi of the PDP settled for Abdulkadir Alin Bababa. Shehu Buba Umar of the PRP and Halliru Jika of the ADC are yet to announce their deputies.

Nasarawa presents a sharp contrast. Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP retained Yahaya Ohinoyi, while Ahmed Wadada of the APC, Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi of the LP and Nuhu Angbazo of the ADC are yet to unveil their running mates amid intense zoning and stakeholder negotiations.

In Borno, no fewer than 27 aspirants, including former deputy governors Usman Durkwa, Ali Jatau and Isah Lawan, are reportedly jostling for the APC slot, traditionally zoned to the southern part of the state.

Gombe’s Gwamna Jibrin Barde, Mohammed Jibrin Danbarde and Pantami of the major parties are yet to announce their deputies, while in Yobe, Baba Wali of the APC and Muhammad Dawud of the YPP have picked Sale Samanja and Abdullahi Batta respectively. The ADC and PDP are still consulting.

Taraba’s Agbu Kefas is also shopping for Aminu Alkali’s replacement, with two women and a National Assembly member reportedly under consideration. In contrast, Abba Yusuf of Kano has settled for Murtala Garo, while Ahmad Galadima of the APC in Adamawa has picked Adamu Kamale. Sharafadeen Alli of the Oyo APC has chosen Adesoji Adedeji.

In Rivers, Gabriel Pidomson of the ADC has picked David Okumgba, while Kingsley Chinda of the APC and Dumo Lulu-Briggs of the NDC are still consulting. Katsina’s Dikko Radda is expected to retain his deputy, while PDP’s Garba Lado and rival ADC factions are yet to announce running mates.

In Kwara, only Suleiman Kawu of the PDP has completed his ticket with Cornelius Fawenu. APC, ADC and NDC are still working on their pairings.

Benue has also recorded mixed developments. Mathias Byuan of the LP picked Juliana Obetta; Michael Aondokaa of the PDP chose 38-year-old Oyije Ogbenjuwa; and Sebastine Hon of the SDP selected Margaret Ogah. Hyacinth Alia of the APC is expected to retain his deputy, while the ADC and NDC are yet to unveil their choices.

With INEC’s portal now open, parties and candidates face growing pressure to settle their last-minute calculations and present final tickets for the 2027 governorship contests.