The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, formally setting the stage for a fierce battle for seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.
According to an analysis of the candidate documents released by the electoral commission, a total of 4,408 candidates are listed for the two chambers of the National Assembly.
The figure comprises 1,195 candidates contesting for the Senate and 3,213 candidates vying for seats in the House of Representatives.
The elections are scheduled to hold on January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
Gender representation remains heavily skewed towards male candidates. Of the 4,408 National Assembly candidates, 3,965 are male, while 443 are female.
The Senate has 1,080 male candidates and 115 female candidates, while the House of Representatives has 2,885 male candidates and 328 female candidates.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) fielded the highest number of female candidates among the political parties listed, with 11 women contesting Senate seats and 42 contesting House of Representatives seats.
INEC also released the list of presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election.
The list contains 18 political parties and their presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
The document, signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, lists President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as the APC presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is fielding Atiku Abubakar, with Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
Also on the list is Peter Obi, representing the NDC, alongside Musa Mohammed Rabiu Kwankwaso.
INEC’s publication indicates limited female representation at the presidential level, with Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori of the NDP and Nkem Esther Okereke of the NRM listed as the two female presidential candidates.
Four female candidates are also listed as vice-presidential candidates.
In Edo State, the final list shows Adams Oshiomhole as the APC candidate for Edo North, while Joseph Ikpea is listed for Edo Central.
For Edo South, the APC candidate is Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
The other major candidates listed for Edo South include Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen of the ADC, Bridgitte Epelle-Asemota of the NDC and Benjamin Ehichioya Ojediamen of the PDP.
The publication effectively sets the stage for a competitive contest across Edo’s three senatorial districts.
Across the country, the INEC list covers 109 senatorial districts, with candidates representing several political parties competing for the available seats.
The release of the final candidate list marks a major milestone in preparations for the 2027 elections, moving the political contest closer to the electorate as parties and candidates intensify their campaigns.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper from the published list show that the contest will feature a wide spread of candidates across the country’s senatorial districts, with major political parties fielding candidates in most constituencies.
With the final lists now published, attention shifts to the campaigns, voter mobilisation and the battle for political control ahead of the January 16, 2027 National Assembly and presidential elections.
