Meet 2027 presidential candidates, their parties, political history

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the January 16, 2027, general election, several political parties have concluded their presidential primaries or unveiled candidates for the race.

Of the 22 political parties registered with INEC, at least 10 have declared their presidential candidates as of May 31.

The list so far reveals a fragmented opposition with an incumbent seeking re-election.

Factions, particularly in the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress and Social Democratic Party, highlight deep divisions that could influence the outcome of the race.

Here is a compilation of those who have declared or emerged as presidential candidates so far, in no particular order, along with brief notes on their political histories.

Tinubu, the incumbent president since 2023, has secured the APC ticket for a second term.

He served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

Often described as a national leader of the APC, Tinubu played a key role in the party’s formation and in the victory of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

Senator Sandy Onor represents a faction of PDP backed by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

Onor served as the senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District from 2019 to 2023. Senator Sandy Onor after picking his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms in Abuja. Photo: Abdulrahman Zakariyau

He was also a former governorship candidate in Cross River State.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015) has been named in absentia by another PDP faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

Jonathan, who rose from Bayelsa State governor to vice president and later president following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, is known for overseeing the 2015 transition of power.

He has not publicly commented extensively on the latest development.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (1999–2007) emerged as the presidential candidate of one faction of the ADC. Atiku Abubakar.Photo credit: Web

He is a long-time PDP stalwart and multiple-time presidential contender, including in the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Dumebi Kachikwu leads another faction of the ADC.

Kachikwu gained national political prominence after emerging as the ADC presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

He is the younger brother of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu.

Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, journalist and founder of Sahara Reporters, represents the AAC.

He is a two-time presidential candidate of the party.

Adewole Adebayo has secured the SDP ticket.

A lawyer and businessman, he previously contested for president under the party.

Shehu Gabam-led SDP – Abimbola Akeem Atanda

Abimbola Akeem Atanda represents another SDP faction led by Shehu Gabam.

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, has emerged as the NDC presidential candidate after defecting from the Labour Party.

He has named former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.

Makinde is the current governor of Oyo State. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Photo: Oyo State House

Aliyu Bin Abbas is a former political aide to Atiku Abubakar.

Chibuzo Okereke, described as an LP stalwart, is a governance expert, policy strategist and reform advocate.

He serves as a legislative consultant to key committees and ranking members of the National Assembly.

He is also a resident lecturer in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Miva Open University, Abuja.

Duke is a former governor of Cross River State who served from 1999 to 2007.