NigeriaPolls · 2027 Election Hub
2027 Presidential Candidates: Tracker & Analysis
Track Nigeria's 2027 presidential candidates. Profiles, party affiliations, and campaign updates.
The 2027 Nigerian presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country's democratic history. With the incumbent seeking re-election, a former vice president making another bid, and a movement-driven candidate building on a transformative 2023 showing, the field is both familiar and unpredictable. This page tracks every confirmed and speculated candidate, their policy positions, and campaign trajectories.
NigeriaPolls updates this tracker weekly as new candidates declare, and primaries conclude. Bookmark this page and subscribe to our alerts for real-time updates on the 2027 presidential race.
Tracker
Confirmed & Likely Candidates
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Incumbent President · Age 75 · South-West
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the 16th President of Nigeria, elected in 2023. A former governor of Lagos State (1999–2007), Tinubu is a veteran political strategist and founding member of the APC. His administration has focused on economic reforms including fuel subsidy removal, monetary policy unification, and social investment programs. He is seeking a second term.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President · Age 79 · North-East
Atiku Abubakar served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. A businessman and perennial presidential contender, Atiku has run for president six times. He remains a major figure in the PDP and is widely expected to seek the party's nomination again in 2027, positioning himself as an experienced alternative.
Labour Party
Peter Obi
Former Governor of Anambra State · Age 64 · South-East
Peter Obi surged to national prominence in the 2023 election, winning over 6 million votes and energizing a youth-led 'Obidient' movement. A former governor of Anambra State (2006–2014), Obi is known for fiscal discipline and grassroots mobilization. He has confirmed his intention to run again in 2027, building on his cross-zonal appeal.
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Rabiu Kwankwaso
Former Governor of Kano State · Age 68 · North-West
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is a former governor of Kano State and former Minister of Defence. He finished fourth in the 2023 presidential election under the NNPP, carrying Kano State. His Kwankwasiyya movement maintains strong support in the North-West, and he is expected to contest again in 2027.
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Yemi Osinbajo
Former Vice President · Age 68 · South-West
Yemi Osinbajo served as Vice President from 2015 to 2023 and is a former Attorney General of Lagos State. While he has not publicly declared interest in challenging his party's incumbent, speculation persists about his potential candidacy, particularly among reform-minded APC members.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Nyesom Wike
Minister of the FCT · Age 57 · South-South
Nyesom Wike is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State (2015–2023). Known for his assertive political style and grassroots mobilization, Wike has emerged as a powerful kingmaker. While he has not declared for president, his influence in the PDP makes him a figure to watch.
Nigeria Pulse
Follow the Election Conversation Daily
Nigeria Pulse tracks what Nigerians are discussing about the 2027 elections across Nigerian platforms every day. It is a conversation signal, not a poll, and it is updated daily.
Open Nigeria PulseIssues
Key Issues Shaping the 2027 Race
Five issues dominate the debate ahead of the 2027 elections. Candidates' positions on these topics will likely determine the outcome.
Economic Recovery & Inflation
With inflation hovering near 30% and the naira under pressure, economic management tops voter concerns. Candidates are being judged on their plans for stabilizing prices, creating jobs, and attracting investment.
Security & Banditry
Kidnapping, banditry, and insurgency remain critical in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central zones. Voters demand concrete security strategies, not promises.
Youth Unemployment
Over 50% of Nigerian youth are unemployed or underemployed. Candidates with credible plans for skills development, entrepreneurship, and technology sector growth are gaining traction with under-35 voters.
Fuel Subsidy & Energy Reform
The removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 caused significant hardship. Candidates must articulate clear positions on subsidy reinstatement, alternative social safety nets, and renewable energy investment.
Restructuring & Federalism
Debates over state police, resource control, and constitutional reform continue to animate Southern and Middle Belt electorates. Positions on restructuring could swing key states.
Healthcare & Education
Access to quality healthcare and education remains a priority for families. Voters are scrutinizing candidates' records and proposals for universal health coverage and school funding.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the incumbent president running in 2027?
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current President of Nigeria, is expected to seek re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Which party is Peter Obi running for in 2027?
Peter Obi is widely expected to run under the Labour Party, the platform on which he contested the 2023 presidential election.
How many candidates will appear on the 2027 presidential ballot?
18 of the 22 registered political parties submitted 36 presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and INEC published the final National Assembly candidate list on September 12, 2026. The governorship and State Assembly candidate list was published on October 10, 2026.
When will parties announce their 2027 presidential candidates?
Party primaries ran from July 1 to September 30, 2026 and have concluded. INEC published the National Assembly candidate list on September 12, 2026, and published the governorship and State Assembly candidate list on October 10, 2026.
Can a sitting president be challenged within their own party?
Yes, though it is rare in Nigerian politics. Incumbent presidents typically receive their party's automatic ticket, but the APC constitution allows for competitive primaries if there is significant internal opposition.
What are the constitutional requirements to run for president in Nigeria?
A candidate must be a Nigerian citizen by birth, at least 35 years old, a member of a political party, and have been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent.
How does NigeriaPolls track candidate popularity?
We follow the candidates through Nigeria Pulse, which tracks the daily conversation about each of them across Nigerian platforms. It is a conversation signal, not a poll, and any NigeriaPolls poll publishes its question wording, field dates and sample size.
Will there be debates before the 2027 election?
Presidential debates are organized by media houses and civil society groups, not INEC. NigeriaPolls will publish a debate calendar as events are confirmed.
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