The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections with the unveiling of its governorship and deputy governorship candidates across 28 states of the federation.

In a move aimed at strengthening its political presence nationwide, the party announced the candidates on Friday, describing them as competent individuals capable of providing credible leadership and offering Nigerians a viable alternative to the country's current political establishment.

Among the prominent names unveiled by the opposition party are former Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who will fly the ADC flag in Lagos State; former Kaduna governorship candidate Isa Mohammed Ashiru in Kaduna; veteran Delta politician Chief Great Ogboru in Delta State; Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita in Katsina State; and former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in Kebbi State.

The announcement signals the ADC's determination to position itself as a major force ahead of the 2027 polls, as political parties continue to strategise and build alliances in preparation for the next electoral cycle.

According to the party, the candidates were selected based on their leadership qualities, political experience and commitment to delivering good governance. The ADC stated that its goal is to provide Nigerians with what it described as a "real alternative" through candidates capable of addressing the nation's socio-economic and political challenges.

The party's governorship candidates cut across all geopolitical zones, reflecting its ambition to expand its influence beyond its traditional strongholds.

In the North-West, Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita emerged as the ADC governorship candidate for Katsina State, with Aminu Yar'adua Ahmed named as his running mate. In neighbouring Kaduna State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru was paired with Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku, while Abubakar Malami and Zagi Musa Mohammed will contest the governorship and deputy governorship positions respectively in Kebbi State.

The party also unveiled Ibrahim Ali Amin and Shehu Abdulkadir Bari as its governorship and deputy governorship candidates in Kano State, while Shinkafi Bilyaminu Yusuf and Muhammad Abdulmuddalib Auwal will represent the party in Zamfara State.

Advertisement

In the South-West, attention is expected to focus on Lagos State, where Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour will once again seek the state's highest office, this time under the ADC platform, alongside his running mate, Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere. The party also named Biodun Collins Ogundipe for Ogun State and Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke for Oyo State.

In the South-South region, Chief Great Ogboru was selected as the governorship candidate in Delta State, with Afiari Gloria as his deputy. The party also unveiled candidates for Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

The ADC further announced candidates for several North-Central, North-East and South-East states, including Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia.

Political observers say the unveiling of candidates more than a year before the elections demonstrates the party's intention to build momentum early and engage voters ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 electoral season.

With the race for 2027 gradually taking shape, the ADC's latest move places it among the first political parties to publicly present a substantial list of governorship candidates, setting the stage for intensified political campaigns and realignments across the country in the coming months.

The party expressed confidence that its candidates would connect with voters and champion policies aimed at improving governance, economic growth and national development if elected into office.