Tinubu, Atiku, Jonathan, Obi, and other Presidential Candidates have emerged across political parties in Nigeria.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s January 16, 2027 general election, several political parties have concluded their presidential primaries or unveiled candidates who will fly their flags in the race for the nation’s highest office.
Out of the 22 political parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at least 10 have produced presidential candidates as of May 31, 2026, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.
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The emerging political landscape reflects a fragmented opposition, multiple party factions, and an incumbent president seeking a second term.
Tinubu Secures APC Ticket
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election.
Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, previously served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and remains one of the most influential figures in the party’s history.
PDP Factions Present Different Candidates
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party has resulted in different factions producing separate presidential candidates.
A faction backed by Nyesom Wike has nominated Sandy Onor, a former senator who represented Cross River Central Senatorial District and previously contested for governor of Cross River State.
Meanwhile, another PDP faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has named former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as its presidential candidate.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015 after previously holding positions as governor of Bayelsa State and vice president.
Atiku Wins ADC Primary
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential candidate of a faction of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark.
Atiku, who served as vice president from 1999 to 2007, is making another bid for the presidency after contesting multiple previous elections.
However, another ADC faction is backing Dumebi Kachikwu, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
Sowore Returns for AAC
Human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has again emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress.
Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters, is seeking the presidency for the third time.
SDP Produces Two Candidates
The Social Democratic Party has also experienced internal divisions.
One faction elected lawyer and businessman Adewole Adebayo as its presidential flagbearer.
Another faction led by Shehu Gabam produced Abimbola Akeem Atanda as its candidate.
Peter Obi Emerges Under NDC
Former Anambra governor Peter Obi has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress after leaving the Labour Party.
Obi has selected former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Makinde, Duke, Others Join Race
Governor Seyi Makinde will represent the Allied Peoples Movement in the election.
The Action Democratic Party has nominated Aliyu Bin Abbas as its presidential candidate.
For the Labour Party, Chibuzo Okereke has emerged as the party’s flagbearer.
Meanwhile, former Cross River governor Donald Duke has secured the presidential ticket of the People’s Redemption Party.
With multiple parties, rival factions, and prominent political figures already in the race, Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country’s democratic history.
