Only two days remain before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closes the window for all party primaries ahead of the 2027 general election. At least six political parties have already concluded their presidential contests and unveiled their flagbearers.
Parties That Have Finalized Their Candidates
The All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Action Congress (AAC) and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have all declared their presidential candidates.
Key Candidate Announcements
African Democratic Congress (ADC) – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar won the party’s presidential primary with 1,846,370 votes, defeating former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi (504,117 votes) and banker Hayatu-Deen (177,120 votes). The ADC reported that 2,527,977 of its 3,113,599 registered members participated in the vote.
All Progressives Congress (APC) – Incumbent President Bola Tinubu secured the party’s ticket after polling 10.9 million votes across 8,809 wards, easily defeating challenger Stanley Osifo, who garnered just 16,504 votes.
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) – Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke emerged victorious with 6,499 votes, ahead of Kingsley Yakubu (2,699 votes) and academic Dr Nnaoke Ufere (784 votes).
Social Democratic Party (SDP) – Prince Adewole Adebayo was elected as the sole presidential aspirant during the party’s national convention in Bauchi.
African Action Congress (AAC) – Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore captured the party’s nomination, describing the AAC as Nigeria’s only genuine opposition and socialist party.
PDP (Wike‑backed faction) – Sandy Onor was named the presidential candidate of the faction led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Other Parties Poised to Confirm
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is expected to affirm Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi as its flagbearer, as he is said to be the sole aspirant for the NDC ticket.
Controversies and the Looming Deadline
Throughout the primary season, several aspirants have alleged vote manipulation, exclusion and non‑compliance with the Electoral Act. Some have quit their parties in protest, while party officials have pointed to internal appeal mechanisms to settle disagreements.
INEC had set May 30, 2026 as the final date for parties to conclude all primaries for the 2027 general election, covering presidential, gubernatorial, National and State Assembly contests. The exercise began on April 23, 2026, and parties have employed a mix of direct voting, delegate systems and affirmation processes.
As the deadline nears, political organisations are under pressure to settle outstanding disputes, finalise candidate lists and prepare for the upcoming campaign season. The outcomes of these primaries will shape negotiations, coalition talks and potential litigation in the months ahead of the 2027 election.
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