2027: INEC Clears Akpabio, Uzodimma, Oshiomhole, 1,300 Others for Senate Race

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the list of 1,303 candidates sponsored by 21 political parties to contest the 109 senatorial seats in the 2027 general elections, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat.

The list features several prominent political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, among others.

According to the list, the All Progressives Congress (APC) fielded candidates for all 109 senatorial seats, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has 108 candidates and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has 94.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has 104 candidates; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 101; the Social Democratic Party (SDP), 95; the Action Democratic Party (ADP), 92; and the Action Peoples Party (APP), 69.

The Labour Party (LP) has 68 candidates; Accord, 67; National Rescue Movement (NRM), 65; Young Progressive Party (YPP), 60; Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), 51; Action Alliance (AA), 39; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 33; National Democratic Party (NDP), 32; Democratic Labour Alliance (DLA), 27; Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), 27; African Action Congress (AAC), 25; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), 21; Boot Party (BP), seven; and Young Progressives (YP), four.

Prominent Names on the List

Among the high-profile candidates seeking re-election on the APC platform are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Other notable politicians seeking fresh mandates include former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, former Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko, and former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu.

Also on the list is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, as well as former Aviation Minister and former Anambra North Senator Stella Oduah.

The list also includes Hope Uzodimma, the incumbent governor of Imo State and former senator representing Imo West. Uzodimma is contesting on the APC platform and serves as Secretary of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign organisation.

Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya are also among the candidates listed for the 2027 senatorial election.

Senate Presidency Battle Looms

Beyond the contest for the 109 senatorial seats, the 2027 election is expected to have major implications for the battle for the leadership of the Senate.

The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on 6 February 2027.

The outcome of the senatorial elections will determine the composition of the 11th National Assembly, with the successful candidates eventually choosing the next Senate President from among themselves.

The Senate President, who is Nigeria’s number three citizen, is elected by senators following the inauguration of a new Senate. This makes the 2027 senatorial contests particularly significant in the emerging calculations over who will preside over the chamber.

Within the APC, Akpabio is widely expected to seek another term as Senate President if he successfully retains his Akwa Ibom North-West seat.

Akpabio emerged as Senate President in June 2023 after defeating Yari in the contest for the leadership of the 10th Senate. His return to the chamber would give him the advantage of experience and incumbency in any contest for the leadership of the 11th Senate.

However, the former Akwa Ibom governor could face competition from other influential returning senators and political heavyweights.

Uzodimma, Oshiomhole in Leadership Calculations

Uzodimma is among the names that have featured prominently in political calculations surrounding the 2027 Senate presidency.

He previously represented Imo West in the Senate from 2011 to 2019 before becoming governor of Imo State in 2020. His return to the Senate could position him as one of the experienced figures capable of influencing the leadership contest.

Oshiomhole is another potential contender. The former Edo State governor and former APC national chairman is seeking to return to the Senate as the representative of Edo North. His experience as a former governor, former national chairman of the ruling party, and returning senator could make him an influential figure in the leadership race.

The rules surrounding the emergence of presiding officers have also featured prominently in the political calculations.

The Senate had earlier introduced an amendment requiring candidates for presiding offices to be ranking, returning senators. The controversial provision, which would have affected first-time senators, was rescinded in May 2026 following opposition and constitutional concerns.

The reversal has reopened the possibility of first-time senators participating in the race for the Senate’s presiding offices.

Battle for the 11th Senate

With several influential politicians seeking seats in the next Senate, the 2027 elections are shaping up to be more than a contest for legislative seats.

The elections could determine not only the composition of the 11th National Assembly, but also the next political power structure within the Senate.

While Akpabio appears positioned to seek another term as Senate President, the eventual outcome will depend on the composition of the 11th Senate, the zoning arrangement adopted by the APC, and the ability of individual contenders to secure the support of their fellow senators.

The battle for the Senate presidency, therefore, is expected to intensify as the 2027 elections draw closer.