Nasarawa 2027: Multiple Candidates Eye Governorship Seat

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 13 candidates for the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State.

With their strong backgrounds, the candidates make this race one of the most experienced in Nigeria for the February 2027 elections.

Among these candidates are current and former lawmakers, a past inspector-general of police, and a retired army general.

They are all aiming to take over from Governor Abdullahi Sule of the APC, who is finishing his last term.

The candidates come from various political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Notable names include Aliyu Wadada, a current senator and the APC candidate, and Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP.

Mohammed Adamu, a former inspector-general of police running on the SDP ticket, and retired Major-General Nuhu Angbazo of the ADC are also in the race.

The candidates have a mix of political backgrounds, covering legislative work, military service, police work, business, and community involvement.

Major Contenders

Wadada, 61, is the APC candidate and represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the Senate. He has previously been in the House of Representatives for the Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency.

His experience as a federal lawmaker places him at the forefront of the APC's efforts to keep Nasarawa State under their control.

Mr Ombugadu, 48, the PDP candidate, previously served in the House of Representatives for the Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency.

He is well-known in the state’s opposition politics and has tried for the governorship before.

Adamu, 65, is the SDP candidate and a former inspector-general of police.

His police background sets him apart from many others in the race, though voters will consider more than just his security experience when choosing a candidate.

Angbazo, 59, is the ADC candidate and a retired major-general from the Nigerian Army. His military career and ties to the Eggon community are important parts of his public image.

Gaza Gbefwi, 51, is the Labour Party candidate. He currently represents the Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is looking to shift from federal politics to the state leadership.

The 13 candidates listed by INEC, in alphabetical order by party, are:

ADC, Nuhu Angbazo (59)

ADP, Christopher Mamman (64)

APC, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada (61)

APGA, Ibrahim Kasimu Aboh (61)

APM, Onawo Mohammed Ogoshi (74)

APP, Dahiru Musa Doma (59)

LP, Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (51)

NRM, Khalid Muhammad (55)

PDP, Emmanuel David Ombugadu (48)

PRP, Abdullahi Omame Abisabo (35)

SDP, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu (65)

YPP, Kigbu Tanko John (61)

ZLP, Giza Abubakar Abdu (69)

Abisabo, 35, is the youngest candidate, while Ogoshi, 74, is the oldest.

The list shows a variety of candidates with different degrees of political and public-service experience.

But just being on the ballot does not mean they all have equal chances of winning.

The campaigns will give voters in the 13 local government areas a chance to look at the candidates' records, proposals, and plans for tackling the state’s issues.

Key topics like security, infrastructure, jobs, education, healthcare, and economic growth will likely be under scrutiny as voters evaluate the candidates.

This final list is part of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, which will include the governorship race in Nasarawa State.