Campaigns for 2027 Governorship Elections Begin Today

The official commencement of public campaigns for the 2027 governorship and assembly elections in Nigeria began today, following the start of presidential and National Assembly campaigns on August 19. Candidates in 28 states can now present their manifestos through various platforms.

Major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), have nominated governorship candidates in all participating states. However, many parties are experiencing delays in activating their campaign councils.

The APC has announced its national campaign council but has not yet inaugurated it due to internal disputes regarding the inclusion of controversial figures. Similarly, the NDC, ADC, and other opposition parties have not established their campaign structures.

Analysts attribute this stagnation to unresolved issues from party primaries, financial challenges, and ongoing negotiations for tactical alliances. Notably, elections will not occur in eight states: Imo, Ondo, Osun, Bayelsa, Edo, Kogi, Ekiti, and Anambra, as their election cycles differ from the general elections.