Sharafadeen, Adekanmbi, Oriyomi Hamzat make list as INEC releases 16 Oyo gov candidates

By Adeola Badru The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of 16 governorship candidates for the 2027 election in Oyo State, with All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) flagbearer Abimbola Adekanmbi and Accord Party candidate Abdulrahman Oriyomi Hamzat among those cleared for the contest. The list, contained in a document released by the commission on Saturday, October 10, 2026, features candidates from 16 political parties, setting the stage for a multi-party contest for the Agodi Government House. Other major political parties on the list include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the list, Alli will fly the APC flag, while Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke is listed as the ADC governorship candidate. Akim Adebola Yusuf is the candidate of the NDC, while Hazeem Ola Gbolarumi will represent the PDP in the election. The APM is fielding Adekanmbi, while Hamzat is listed as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party.

Other candidates on the list are Saheed Oladele of the African Action Congress (AAC); Kunle James Olatunji of the Action Democratic Party (ADP); Gbolagade Tajudeen Salami of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Ismaila Akinboye Tijani of the Action Peoples Party (APP); and Sola Thompson Kareem of the Labour Party (LP). The remaining candidates are Ibiyemi Otegbeye Taiwo of the National Democratic Party (NDP); Taofeek Ademola Afolabi of the National Rescue Movement (NRM); Kazeem Ayandoye Yinusa of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP); Idowu Adedeji Adeyemi of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Waheed Olanrewaju Azzan of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Full list of Oyo State governorship candidates and their parties Abdulrahman Oriyomi Hamzat — Accord Party Saheed Oladele — African Action Congress (AAC) Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke — African Democratic Congress (ADC) Kunle James Olatunji — Action Democratic Party (ADP) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli — All Progressives Congress (APC) Gbolagade Tajudeen Salami — All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Abimbola Adekanmbi — Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) Ismaila Akinboye Tijani — Action Peoples Party (APP) Sola Thompson Kareem — Labour Party (LP) Akim Adebola Yusuf — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Ibiyemi Otegbeye Taiwo…

By Omeiza Ajayi The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has published the final list of 17 candidates for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, with Chinda Kingsley Ogundu of the All Progressives Congress APC, Pidomson Gabriel Baritulem of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Ejekwu Samuel Soni of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and Lulu-Briggs Dumo Owukori of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC among those named. The document, titled “Final List of Candidates” for the “Governorship Election 2027,” was signed by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. It lists each governorship candidate alongside a deputy, with their party, age, gender and educational qualifications.

Chinda, 60, is running with Jack Major Miakiapuye as his deputy. His qualifications are listed as a First School Leaving Certificate and a law degree. Pidomson, 56, is paired with Okumgba David Amapakaye, while Ejekwu, 60, will run with Ehuwa Pirinye Kabaka.

The commission lists both men as holders of doctorate degrees. Lulu-Briggs, 62, has Nwielaghi Barieenee Michael as his running mate. The list also includes Chibuzor Israel Rain of Accord (A), West Ivy of the African Action Congress (AAC), Lawson Anyanate Angel of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Idoniboye-Obu Omangima of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).