Nigerian Parties Select 2027 Election Candidates Across Multiple States

Nigerian political parties accelerated their candidate selections for the 2027 general elections on May 23, 2026, with simultaneous primary exercises across multiple states. The All Progressives Congress conducted a statewide presidential primary across 236 wards in Ogun State, unanimously ratifying Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential candidate. Governor Dapo Abiodun credited the peaceful exercise to internal party unity. The APC primary concluded a week-long series of candidate selections in the state covering Senate, House, and governorship races.

The Peoples Democratic Party advanced its gubernatorial candidates in two states. In Kwara State, former Senate President Bukola Saraki announced Engr. Kale Kawu as the consensus governorship candidate after other aspirants stepped aside to preserve party cohesion. In Oyo State, the PDP held a direct primary on May 24, where former Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi won the gubernatorial ticket decisively with 3,615 of 3,640 accredited votes, defeating Beulah Adeoye who received 22 votes. Gbolarumi dismissed rumors of a PDP alliance with the Allied Peoples Movement, insisting the party remains united. While PDP leadership called the process transparent, an aspirant alleged irregularities, though officials noted that aspirant had failed screening.

The Peoples Redemption Party also moved forward, clearing three presidential aspirants — former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, Dr. Nnaoke Ufere, and Engr. Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley — for its May 25 primary. The PRP stated over 260 aspirants will compete nationwide and pledged competitive primaries if no consensus emerges.