The release of the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified the battle for Nigeria’s 109 senatorial seats.
The publication of the list gives political parties and their candidates a clearer picture of the contenders ahead of the February 2027 elections, with governors nearing the end of their terms, serving and former lawmakers, political newcomers and other aspirants featuring prominently in the race.
According to The PUNCH, the final list is expected to trigger increased campaign activities, mobilisation and political manoeuvring as parties seek to secure control of the Senate and influence the composition of the next National Assembly.
Several prominent political figures are among those seeking senatorial seats.
In Abia North, incumbent Senator Orji Uzor Kalu will contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress against Okoronkwo Godswill of the African Democratic Congress, Nkole Ndukwe of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Udeachara Jude of the Peoples Democratic Party.
In Abia South, APC candidate Ikonne Paul will face Isiguzor Victor of the ADC, Enyinna Michael of the NDC, Onuoha Chinyere of the PDP and Labour Party candidate Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Governors also feature prominently in several senatorial contests.
In Adamawa North, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is listed as the APC candidate, while Bauchi South has Governor Bala Mohammed contesting under the Allied People’s Movement.
Other serving governors on the list include Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe North, Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma in Imo West, Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara Central, Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun in Ogun East and Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule in Nasarawa North.
In Yobe East, Governor Mai Mala Buni is also listed as the APC candidate.
Former governors are equally prominent in the contest. Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is seeking the Delta North seat on the APC platform, while former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello is contesting in Kogi Central.
Former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who currently represents Edo North in the Senate, is also seeking another term under the APC.
In Bayelsa West, former Governor Seriake Dickson is the NDC candidate, while former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong is contesting Plateau South.
The list also features other senior lawmakers and political figures. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele is contesting Ekiti Central, while Senate spokesman Adeyemi Adaramodu is seeking re-election in Ekiti South. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin is the APC candidate for Kano North.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Philip Aduda of the APC will contest against incumbent Senator Ireti Kingibe of the ADC, alongside Austen Peters-Pam Amanda of the NDC and Angulu Bako of the PDP.
The contests across the states include candidates from the APC, ADC, NDC, PDP and other political parties.
With the final candidate list now published, the senatorial contests are set for a more intense phase as political parties prepare for the February 2027 elections.
The development provides voters with a clearer picture of the candidates seeking to represent their senatorial districts in the next National Assembly.
