The 2023 Nigerian gubernatorial elections were held for state governors in 31 out of 36

Nigerian states Nigeria is a federation of 36 states and 1 federal capital territory. Each of the 36 states is a semi-autonomous political unit that shares powers with the federal government as enumerated under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeri ...

. All but three elections were held on 18 March—concurrent with elections to every state house of assembly, three weeks after the

presidential election A presidential election is the election of any head of state whose official title is President. Elections by country Albania The president of Albania is elected by the Assembly of Albania who are elected by the Albanian public. Chile The pr ...

and National Assembly elections—while the

Imo State Imo State ( ig, Ȯra Imo) is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by Anambra State, Rivers State to the west and south, and Abia State to the east. It takes its name from the Imo River which flows al ...

Kogi State Kogi State is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria, bordered to the west by the states of Ekiti and Kwara, to the north by the Federal Capital Territory, to the northeast by Nasarawa State, to the northwest by Niger State, to the ...

, and

Bayelsa State Bayelsa is one of the states in the South-South region of Nigeria, located in the core of the Niger Delta region. Bayelsa State was created in 1996 and was carved out from Rivers State, making it one of the newest states in the federation. Y ...

elections will be held on 11 November. The last regular gubernatorial elections for all states were in

2019 File:2019 collage v1.png, From top left, clockwise: Hong Kong protests turn to widespread riots and civil disobedience; House of Representatives votes to adopt articles of impeachment against Donald Trump; CRISPR gene editing first used to experim ...

. All states have a two term limit for Governors which makes 18 incumbent governors ineligible for re-election. Several incumbent governors were ineligible for re-election due to term limits. Nine APC governors were term-limited while nine incumbent APC governors were eligible for re-election. Among PDP governors, eight were term-limited while four could seek re-election. Elections will be held in 18 of the 20 states with APC governors and 12 of the 14 states with PDP governors. The APC and PDP picked up two governorships each in the March elections, with the APC winning Benue and

Sokoto Sokoto is a major city located in extreme northwestern Nigeria, near the confluence of the Sokoto River and the Rima River. As of 2006 it has a population of over 427,760. Sokoto is the modern-day capital of Sokoto State and was previously th ...

while the PDP gained

Plateau In geology and physical geography, a plateau (; ; ), also called a high plain or a tableland, is an area of a highland consisting of flat terrain that is raised sharply above the surrounding area on at least one side. Often one or more sides ...

and

Zamfara Zamfara (Hausa: Jihar Zamfara Fula: Leydi Zamfara 𞤤𞤫𞤴𞤣𞤭 𞤶𞤢𞤥𞤬𞤢𞤪𞤢) is a state in northwestern Nigeria. The capital of Zamfara state is Gusau and its current Governor is Bello Matawalle. Until 1996, the area was ...

. Additionally, both the LP and NNPP gained one governorship with the LP gaining

Abia Abia or ABIA may refer to: ABIA * Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, in Austin, Texas, United States * Australian Book Industry Awards, national literary and industry awards People * Abia (name) * Abia (mythology), the nursemaid of Glenu ...

and the NNPP flipping

Kano Kano may refer to: Places * Kano State, a state in Northern Nigeria *Kano (city), a city in Nigeria, and the capital of Kano State ** Kingdom of Kano, a Hausa kingdom between the 10th and 14th centuries ** Sultanate of Kano, a Hausa kingdom betwe ...

. Two gubernatorial races— Adamawa and

Kebbi Kebbi state ( ha, Jihar Kebbi; Fulfulde: Leydi Kebbi 𞤤𞤫𞤴𞤣𞤭 𞤳𞤫𞤦𞥆𞤭) is a state in the northwestern Nigeria, Kebbi state is bordered east and north of Sokoto and Zamfara states, and to the south by Niger state whi ...

—were declared inconclusive due to close margins and results cancellations. Overall, the March election results were noted for few changes as state's governing parties generally retained control of governorships. Like in the federal elections,

Independent National Electoral Commission The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was established in 1998 and is the electoral body which oversees elections in Nigeria. History Regulation and administration of elections The administration of democratic elections in Nige ...

performance dominated post-election discussion as dozens of candidates claimed irregularities had impacted their elections. Additionally, the March gubernatorial elections had significantly more reports of violence and vote-buying than during the federal elections, especially in the states of Lagos and Kano.

Prior partisan composition

Before the elections, there were 21 APC governors, 14 PDP governors, and one APGA governor. Of the governor's offices up for election in 2023, 19 are held by an APC member while 12 are held by a PDP member.

Results summary

Notes

Abia State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Okezie Ikpeazu Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (born 18 October 1964) is a Nigerian politician who serves as the Governor of Abia State, in office since 29 May 2015. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. He was re-elected as the governor of Abi ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 60.26% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term.

Primaries

For the APC, two parallel primaries were held with one faction holding an indirect primary at the Chidiebere Arena while the other faction held a direct primary (citing a national APC directive for a direct primary in Abia) that carried on into the next day. After both primaries were peacefully held, the Chidiebere Arena primary ended in economist

Ikechi Emenike Ikechi is a Nigerian masculine given name that may refer to *Ikechi Anya (born 1988), Scottish football midfielder * Ikechi Ariguzo (born 1992), American football linebacker *Ikechi Nwosu, Anglican bishop in Nigeria *Ikechi Uko Ikechi Uko (born ...

winning by a wide margin while the direct primary resulted in a victory for former minister

Uche Ogah Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah (born 22 December 1969) is the current Nigerian Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development. An oil magnate, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, Ogah is the President of Master Energy Group, a conglomerate with ...

. INEC recognised Emenike as the legitimate nominee in July 2022 after a court ruled in his favour. In the APGA primary,

Gregory Ibe Gregory Ibe (born 10 December 1963) is a Nigerian industrialist and educationist. He is the chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia state Abia State ( ig, Ȯha Abia) is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, it is bor ...

(an academic administrator) defeated his three opponents with around 54% of the delegates' votes. While the party accepted his nomination, second runner-up Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma rejected the results. In the PDP primary,

Uche Ikonne Uchenna Ikonne was a Nigerian professor of optometry. In December 2015, he became the 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University. having previously served as the Rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba – (on Rescue Mission) 2014–201 ...

(an optometrist and academic administrator) emerged victorious after almost all of his opponents withdrew on the day of the primary. Reasons for withdrawal were split between those claimed that Ikpeazu's tacit support for Ikonne along with doctored delegate lists removed any fairness from the primary and those that dropped out to support Ikonne. Ikonne defeated the two remaining candidates with over 80% of the vote in an indirect primary on 25 May.

Adamawa State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (born October 27, 1967) is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Adamawa State. He was a member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly and was appointed the Speaker of the House. He became the acting Governor of A ...

was elected to a first term in

with 43.22% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election and has been renominated by his party.

Primaries

For the APC, Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed—Senator for Adamawa Central—won the primary with 42% of delegates' votes. Despite some controversies during the primary, Ahmed was accepted as the nominee and made history as the first women to nominated by a major party for the Adamawa governorship and only the second women ever nominated by a major party for any state governorship. In the PDP primary, Fintiri was the sole candidate due to the disqualification of his only primary opponent—Jameel Abubakar Waziri. As he was unopposed, Fintiri won unanimously at the primary in Yola.

Akwa Ibom State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Udom Gabriel Emmanuel Udom Gabriel Emmanuel (born 11 July 1966) is a Nigerian politician who is currently the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, in office since 29 May 2015. He contested for the office of governor in the April 2015 elections on the platform of People's ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 74.64% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term.

Primaries

For the APC, months of a party crisis between a national party-recognized faction backed by

Godswill Akpabio Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, (born 9 December 1962), is a Nigerian lawyer and politician. He is the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs as he resigned on 11 May 2022 on the direction of President Muhammadu Buhari to contest at presidenti ...

and an INEC-recognized faction backed by

John James Akpan Udo-Edehe John James Akpan Udo-Edehe was elected Senator for the Akwa Ibom North East District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, running on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform. He took office on 29 May ...

culminated in street fights over control of official voting materials. Eventually, the Akpabio faction gained control of the materials and held its primary on 27 May with businessman Akanimo Udofia winning. However, INEC did not recognize Udofia's win, leaving the APC without a gubernatorial nominee. As the APC failed to legitimately nominate a candidate, minor parties' nominees have become major candidates as Udo-Edehe decamped to the NNPP to become its nominee with rumors that losing PDP candidates are also looking at minor parties' tickets. In the PDP primary,

Umo Eno Umo Bassey Eno (born 24 April 1964) is a Nigerian clergy and politician who is the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He was the former Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom State, and the founder of All Nations Christian ...

(a former commissioner) emerged victorious after two of his major opponents—Senator

Bassey Albert Akpan Bassey Albert Akpan CON (born 28 October 1972) is a Nigerian politician who has been a member of the Senate of Nigeria since June 2015. Previously, he was Commissioner of Finance in Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2014. He was first elected t ...

and MHR

Onofiok Luke Onofiok Akpan Luke (born 16 March 1978) is a lawyer and legislator in the Nigerian House of Representatives. Personal life and education Luke graduated in 2005 from the University of Uyo, Nigeria with an LL.B. In 2009, he underwent furth ...

—withdrew on the day of the primary as both claimed that a court order prevented the primary from taking place. Eno defeated the remaining candidates with over 97% of the vote in an indirect primary on 25 May.

Bauchi State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Bala Mohammed Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (born 5 October 1958) is Nigerian politician who is the Governor of Bauchi State. Prior to becoming governor of Bauchi State, he was Minister of Federal Capital Territory from 2010 to 2015; and a Senator from Bauchi State ...

was elected to a first term in

with 46.35% of the vote. He initially declined to run for re-election, instead running for president. However, after losing the PDP presidential primary in May 2022, Mohammed was renominated for governor in a rerun primary.

Primaries

In the APC primary,

Sadique Abubakar Sadique Baba Abubakar (born 8 April 1960) is a retired air marshal in the Nigerian Air Force and former Chief of Air Staff. He served as Chief of Air Staff from 12 July 2015 to 26 January 2021. In 2023, he contested for governor of Bauchi ...

(former Chief of the Air Staff) defeated Senator

Halliru Dauda Jika Halliru Dauda Jika was born in 1976 in Bauchi State, Nigeria. He is a businessman and a politician. He was once a member and shortly the speaker of Bauchi state house of assembly, member house of representatives and currently a senate member ...

with 36% of the vote in an indirect primary on 26 May. Jika left for the NNPP a few weeks after the primary. In the PDP, former Secretary to the State Government

Ibrahim Kashim Ibrahim ( ar, إبراهيم, links=no ') is the Arabic name for Abraham, a Biblical patriarch and prophet in Islam. For the Islamic view of Ibrahim, see Abraham in Islam. Ibrahim may also refer to: * Ibrahim (name), a name (and list of people w ...

won the primary unopposed on 25 May. However, prior to the primary, reporting revealed that Kashim was to act as a placeholder and would withdraw if Mohammed's presidential campaign failed. After it did, Kashim withdrew and Mohammed won the rerun primary on 4 June unopposed.

Bayelsa State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Douye Diri Douye Diri (born 4 June 1959) is a Nigerian politician and Governor of Bayelsa State. He was the senator representing Bayelsa Central senatorial district of Bayelsa state at the Nigerian 9th National Assembly. Early life Douye Diri began his ea ...

was elected to a first term in

after a court decision. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. A rumored PDP primary challenger for Diri is former

NDDC The Niger Delta Development Commission is a federal government agency established by Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo in the year 2000 with the sole mandate of developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In September 2008, Preside ...

Managing Director/CEO and 2019 PDP gubernatorial candidate

Timi Alaibe Timi Alaibe (born June 10, 1962) is a Nigerian technocrat, businessman and politician from Bayelsa State. He is former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Early life and family Ndutimi (Timi) Alaibe is a Nigerian techno ...

. Rumored APC candidates include

Timipre Sylva Timipre Marlin Sylva (born 7 July 1964) is a Nigerian politician, he is a former List of Governors of Bayelsa State, Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and the current Nigeria Minister of State for Petroleum & Resources Corporation, Petroleum Re ...

(former Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources), Peremobowei Ebebi (former Deputy Governor and 2020 Bayelsa West senatorial by-election nominee), David Lyon ( 2019 APC gubernatorial nominee), and

Heineken Lokpobiri Heineken Lokpobiri (born 3 March 1967) is a Nigerian politician who was elected Senator in April 2007 on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform in Bayelsa State, for the Bayelsa West constituency. He is currently the Nigerian Minister of St ...

(former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development and former

Senator A senate is a deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a bicameral legislature. The name comes from the ancient Roman Senate (Latin: ''Senatus''), so-called as an assembly of the senior (Latin: ''senex'' meaning "the e ...

for Bayelsa West).

Benue State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Samuel Ortom Samuel Ioraer Ortom (; born 23 April 1961) is a Nigerian politician, businessman, administrator and philanthropist. He was a Minister of State Trade and Investments in Nigeria during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan. Ortom was elected govern ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 52.29% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Dondu Ahire (former Commissioner for Water Resources and Solid Minerals), Terver Akase (Chief Press Secretary to Ortom), Robert Orya (former Managing Director/CEO of

NEXIM The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) is an export credit agency in Nigeria, established in 1991. In its function, NEXIM focuses on the development and expansion of the non-oil sectors of the Nigerian economy, with a view to reducing the cou ...

Titus Uba Titus Uba (born 25 September 1965) is Nigerian politician who is currently serving as speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly since August 2018. Uba represents Kyan constituency in the state assembly. His emergence as the speaker of the hous ...

(House of Assembly member for Kyan and Speaker of the House of Assembly), Terkaa Ucha (House of Assembly member for Vandeikya-Tiev), and Paul Ubwa (BECCIMA President) are declared PDP candidates while Benson Abounu (Deputy Governor and former commissioner) and Terwase Orbunde (former Chief of Staff to Ortom) have expressed interest in contesting and suspended his campaign, respectively. Announced APC candidates include

Barnabas Andyar Gemade Barnabas Andyar Iyorhyer Gemade (born 4 September 1948) is a Nigerian politician, formerly National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who was elected Senator for the Benue North East constituency of Benue State, Nigeria on 9 Apr ...

(former

for Benue North-East), Herman Hembe (

House of Representatives House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entitles. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often c ...

member for Konshisha/Vandeikya), Terlumun Ikya (economic consultant) and Steven Lawani (former Deputy Governor).

Borno State

Incumbent APC Governor

Babagana Umara Zulum Babagana Umara Zulum (born 25 August 1969) is a Nigerian professor and politician. He has served as Governor of Borno State since 2019 under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Early life Babagana was born on August 25, 1969, ...

was elected to a first term in

with 92.78% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. Rumored APC primary challengers are 2019 APC gubernatorial candidate

Kashim Ibrahim-Imam Kashim Ibrahim-Imam was born 8 May 1962, he is a Nigerian politician who was twice the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Governor of Borno State in 2003 and 2007, losing both times to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate Ali ...

, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development

Mustapha Baba Shehuri Mustafa ( ar, مصطفى , Muṣṭafā) is one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, and the name means "chosen, selected, appointed, preferred", used as an Arabic given name and surname. Mustafa is a common name in the Muslim world. Given name M ...

for Borno North

Abubakar Kyari Abubakar Kyari (born 15 January 1963) is a Nigerian Politician. He was the senator representing Borno North Senatorial District of Borno State at the 9th National Assembly from 2015 unitl his resignation in April 2022. He is a member of the A ...

, and

for Borno South

Mohammed Ali Ndume Mohammed Ali Ndume born (20 November 1959) is a Nigerian politician who was a member of the Federal House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011. He was elected to the Senate for Borno South, Borno State, Nigeria in April 2011 running on the Peo ...

. Rumored PDP candidates include 2015 PDP gubernatorial nominee Gambo Lawan and former

for Borno Central Mohammed Abba-Aji.

Cross River State

Incumbent PDP-turned-APC Governor

Benedict Ayade Ayade Benedict Bengiuoshuye CON was born on the 2nd of March, 1968 and hails from Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State. He holds a B.Sc., LLB, BL, M.Sc., MBA, LLM and a Ph.D. He bagged his PhD at a tender age of 26 from the prest ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 73.04% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. A declared APC candidate is Godswill Edward Osim (Ayade aide and son-in-law of former

President President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) * President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Automobiles * Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese f ...

Goodluck Jonathan Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan (born 20 November 1957)Lawson Heyford, ''The Source'' (Lagos), 11 December 2006. is a Nigerian politician who served as the President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He lost the 2015 presidential election to f ...

) while potential APC candidates include Chris Agara (businessman),

Goddy Jedy Agba Goddy Jedy Agba OFR, born Godwin, 20 August 1958, is a Nigerian bureaucrat, politician, farmer, author and former Group general manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). As of July 2019, he was nominate ...

(Minister of State for Power), Okonkon Effiom (Commissioner for Rural Transformation), Asuquo Ekpenyong (Commissioner for Finance),

John Owan Enoh John Owan Enoh (born 4 June, 1966) is a Nigerian politician, farmer and philanthropist. Personal life Enoh was born and raised in Agbokim Waterfall community of Cross River State and is married to Rachel Owan-Enoh and has children by her. ...

(former

for Cross River Central and 2019 APC gubernatorial nominee), Ntufam Ekpo Okon (former

member for Calabar Municipal/Odukpani and 2019 APC deputy gubernatorial nominee),

Bassey Otu Bassey Edet Otu (born 18 October 1959) is a Nigerian politician who represented the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani constituency of Cross River State, Nigeria in the Federal House of Representatives from 2003 - 2011. He was elected Senator for Cross ...

(former

for Cross River South), and

Usani Uguru Usani Usani Uguru Usani (born 27 January 1961) is a Nigerian pastor, lecturer and politician who served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in the Nigerian government. Early life and education Usani was born on 27 January 1961 in Nko, Yakurr Local ...

(former Niger Delta Minister). Announced PDP candidates are Arthur Archibong (Chancellor of

Arthur Javis University Arthur Jarvis University (AJU) is a private university in Akpabuyo, Calabar, Cross River State in Nigeria. Faculties * Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences * Faculty Of Humanities Management And Social Sciences * Faculty Of Basic Medical ...

), Daniel Effiong Asuquo (

member for Akamkpa/Biase),

Gershom Bassey Gershom Henry Bassey (born 18 March 1962 in Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian politician and multi millionaire businessman. He is the senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. He is a senator of the 8th and ...

(

for Cross River South), and

Sandy Ojang Onor Sandy Ojang Onor (born 14 February 1966) is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was elected in 2019 to represent Cross River Central Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly of the Senate. He is a member of the People's Democratic P ...

(

for Cross River Central) while several other politicians are rumored to be potential candidates.

Delta State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Ifeanyi Okowa Ifeanyichukwu Arthur Okowa (born 8 July 1959) is a Nigerian doctor and politician who has served as Governor of Delta State since May 2015. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, he is the party's vice presidential nominee in the 2023 pre ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 80.17% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. A rumored APC candidate is

for Delta Central and Senate Deputy President

Ovie Omo-Agege Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege (born 3 August 1963) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who is currently the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate. He is senator representing the Delta State Central Senatorial District at the Nigerian senate. He wa ...

. Announced PDP candidates are

David Edevbie David Edevbie is a Nigerian politician and a former candidate of the People's Democratic Party (Nigeria), People's Democratic Party, (PDP) for 2023 Nigerian gubernatorial elections in Delta stateOmon-Julius Onabu, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, He lost t ...

(former Commissioner for Finance and former Yar'Adua aide), Kenneth Gbagi ( 2015 PDP gubernatorial candidate and former Minister of State for Education), and Fred Majemite (former Commissioner and husband of former Ethiope West LG Chairwoman Faith Majemite) while there are multiple potential candidates including

James Manager James Manager is a Nigerian senator of the People's Democratic Party representing Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State in the Nigerian Senate. He became a Senator in 2003. Background Manager attended Epiekiri Primary School Ogbeina ...

(

for Delta South),

Kingsley Otuaro Kingsley Burutu Otuaro (born 16 April 1968) is a Nigerian politician and businessman who is the current deputy governor of Delta State. He obtained his LLB and honours in 1999 from the Bendel state University (presently Ambrose Alli University). H ...

(Deputy Governor), and

Sheriff Oborevwori Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori (born 19 June 1963) is a Nigerian politician who is the current Governor of Delta State. He is the immediate past Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly as a representative of the Okpe Consti ...

(House of Assembly member for Okpe and Speaker of the House of Assembly).

Ebonyi State

Incumbent PDP-turned-APC Governor

Dave Umahi David Nweze Umahi CON (born July 25, 1964) better known as Dave Umahi is a Nigerian politician who is currently serving as the Governor of Ebonyi State. Early life and education Umahi was born 25 July 1964. He is the son of Elder Joseph Umah ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 81.54% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Rumored APC candidates include 2019 APC gubernatorial candidate Edward Nkwegu, former

for Ebonyi Central

Julius Ucha Julius Ucha (born 19 October 1958) was elected Senator for the Ebonyi Central constituency of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, taking office on 29 May 2003, and was reelected in 2007. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress(APC). Ucha earned an ...

, former SSG and 2019 APC gubernatorial candidate Bernard Odoh, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission Elias Mbam, and former

for Ebonyi South and 2019 APC gubernatorial nominee

Sonni Ogbuoji Sonni Ogbuoji is a Nigerian politician who was elected Senator for Ebonyi South, in Ebonyi State, Nigeria in the 9 April 2011 national elections. He was elected on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ticket. He left the senate in the 2019. Sonni ...

. The PDP candidate is Ifeanyichukwu Odii which was confirmed by a court ruling while other aspirants candidates include

Joseph Ogba Joseph Obinna Ogba (born 1961 in Ebonyi State, Nigeria) is a Nigerian politician. He is the senator representing Ebonyi Central senatorial district in the Senate of Nigeria, Nigerian Senate. He is a member of the 8th National Assembly (Nigeria), ...

(

for Ebonyi Central), Edwin Anayo (

member for Ezza North/Ishielu), Fidelis Nwankwo (former Minister of State for Health), Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (House of Assembly member for Izzi West and Speaker of the House of Assembly), Sylvester Ogbaga (

member for Abakaliki/Izzi), and Chris Usulor (House of Assembly member for Ezza South and son of former

for Ebonyi Central

Vincent Obasi Usulor Vincent Obasi Usulor is a Nigerian politician. He was elected Senator for the Ebonyi Central constituency of Ebonyi State, Nigeria at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, running on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform. He took off ...

Enugu State

PDP Governor

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi CON (popularly known as "Gburugburu") (born 20 March 1964) is a Nigerian politician who was elected as the Governor of Enugu State in April 2015, and was sworn on 29 May 2015. He was a member of the House of Represent ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 95.54% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. A rumored APC candidate is former

for

Enugu North Enugu North is a Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the city of Enugu at Opkara Avenue. The LGA is made up of four main district areas Amaigbo Lane, Onuato, Umunevo and Ihenwuzi. Enugu North is one of the seve ...

and 2019 APC gubernatorial nominee

Ayogu Eze Sen. Ayogu Eze (born 23 November 1958) was elected Senator for the Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, Nigeria, taking office on June 05, 2007. He is currently a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC but was elected to the s ...

. Rumored PDP candidates include

for Enugu West

Ike Ekweremadu Ike Ekweremadu (born 12 May 1962) is a Nigerian politician and lawyer from Enugu State who has served in the Senate of Nigeria since May 2003. He is a member of the People's Democratic Party, and was the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate ...

, former Federal Permanent Secretary Chinyeaka Ohaa,

member for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Patrick Asadu, former Minister of Power

Bartholomew Nnaji Bartholomew Nnaji is a Nigerian engineer, innovator and one of the inventors of the E-Design concept. Biography He was born in Enugu State, Nigeria and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics at St John's University, New York USA. He th ...

, House of Assembly Speaker and member for Enugu East Urban

Edward Uchenna Ubosi Edward Uchenna Ubosi is a Nigerian politician who served as the speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023. References {{DEFAULTSORT:Ubosi, Edward Uchenna Living people Year of birth missing (living people) Enugu State ...

, former Minister of Information and Communications

Frank Nweke Frank Nnaemeka Nweke Jr (born 18 September 1965) is a Nigerian Politician, Entrepreneur, Teacher and Social Innovator. He is a two-time Federal Minister in Nigeria and former Director General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). He is a member ...

, Commissioner and former

member for Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga, and former

for

Enugu East Enugu East is a Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Enugu East is made up three zones/districts: Nike-Uno, Ugwogo and Mbuli NjodoIts. Headquarters are in the town of Nkwo Nike. It had an area of 383 km and a population of 279 ...

Gilbert Nnaji Gilbert Emeka Nnaji (born 18 July 1966 in Umunike, Enugu East, Nigeria) is Nigerian politician. He is the senator representing Enugu East senatorial district in the Nigerian Senate. He was a senator of the 8th Senate of Nigeria. He had his prima ...

Gombe State

Incumbent APC Governor

Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (born October 9, 1961) is a Nigerian businessman and politician. He is the Executive Governor of Gombe State elected on 9 March 2019, under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Early life He was born on Octob ...

was elected to a first term in

with 59.88% of the vote. He has announced his run for re-election. A rumored PDP candidate is former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, former

member for Dukku/Nafada, and 2019 PDP gubernatorial nominee Usman Bayero Nafada.

Imo State

Jigawa State

Incumbent APC Governor

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (MON) (born in Babura 19 September 1962) Muhammadu Badaru went to the Babura Central Primary School, in 1970 and proceeded to the famous Rumfa College, Kano from where he went for his A levels at the School of Basic St ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 73.51% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Rumored APC candidates include Senator for Jigawa North

Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia is a Nigerian politician, one-term Deputy Governor of Jigawa State and elected Senator for Jigawa North East Senatorial District in the February 2019 Nigerian general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Cong ...

and Senator for Jigawa South-West Mohammed Sabo Nakudu among others. Rumored PDP candidates include Mustapha Sule Lamido ( 2019 PDP Jigawa South-West senatorial nominee and son of former Governor

Sule Lamido Sule Lamido was born on (30 August 1948) served as Foreign Affairs Minister of Nigeria from 1999 to 2003. He was elected governor of Jigawa State in April 2007. He is a member of the former ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). He ran successfu ...

) and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and 2015 PDP deputy gubernatorial nominee Nuruddeen Muhammad.

Kaduna State

Incumbent APC Governor

Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (born 16 February 1960) is a Nigerian politician who is the Governor of Kaduna State, in office since 2015. He was the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007; and the director of the Bureau of Public ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 55.32% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Rumored APC candidates include

Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Muhammad Sani Abdullahi popularly known as ''Dattijo'' is an international development expert and Nigerian public servant. Dattijo served as a policy adviser at the Executive Office of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in New York. Dat ...

(Commissioner for Budget and Planning and former Chief of Staff to el-Rufai),

Samuel Aruwan Samuel Aruwan is a Nigerian journalist, and pioneer Commissioner for Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. Early life and education Samuel Aruwan hails from Kabala West in Tudun Wada (Kaduna State), Tudun Wada District, ...

(Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs),

Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe is a Nigerian politician and a medical doctor by profession. She is the deputy governor of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Being the first female deputy-governor of the state. She was elected during the 2019 Nigerian general electi ...

(Deputy Governor),

Muhammad Hafiz Bayero Muhammad ( ar, مُحَمَّد; 570 – 8 June 632 CE) was an Arab religious, social, and political leader and the founder of Islam. According to Islamic doctrine, he was a prophet divinely inspired to preach and confirm the monothe ...

(Administrator of the Kaduna Capital Territory),

Suleiman Abdu Kwari Suleiman Abdu Kwari is a Nigerian politician and public finance management expert, senator for the Kaduna North Senatorial district of Kaduna State Nigeria. He was elected during the February 2019 Nigerian general elections under the platform of ...

(

for Kaduna North and former Commissioner for Finance), Ja'afaru Ibrahim Sani (Commissioner for Local Government Affairs), Uba Sani (

for Kaduna Central), and

Hadiza Bala Usman Hadiza Bala Usman (born 2 January 1976) is a Nigerian politician who served as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports from 2016 to 2021. She was previously the chief of staff to the Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2016. Since 2014, s ...

(former Managing Director of the

Nigerian Ports Authority The Nigerian Ports Authority (''NPA'') is a federal government agency that governs and operates the ports of Nigeria. The major ports controlled by the NPA include: the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos; Calabar Port, Delt ...

and co-founder of the

Bring Back Our Girls On the night of 14–15 April 2014, 276 mostly Christian female students aged from 16 to 18 were kidnapped by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram from the Government Girls Secondary School at the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria. Pri ...

campaign). Declared PDP candidates include

Mohammed Sani Abbas Muhammad ( ar, مُحَمَّد; 570 – 8 June 632 CE) was an Arab religious, social, and political leader and the founder of Islam. According to Islamic doctrine, he was a prophet divinely inspired to preach and confirm the monothe ...

(A barrister, businessman and financial consultant)

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed (; born 7 July 1969) is a Nigerian economist and politician who served as Senator for Kaduna North Senatorial District in 2011. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007. A member of the Labour P ...

(former

for Kaduna North and former

member for Zaria)

Shehu Sani Shehu Sani (born 29 October 1967) is a Nigerian senator, an author, playwright and a human rights activist. He is the President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria - (CRCN). and the Chairman of Hand-in-Hand, Africa. He was a leading figur ...

(former

for Kaduna Central) while the announcement of the campaign of Isah Ashiru ( 2019 PDP gubernatorial nominee, former

member for Makarfi/Kudan, and former

House of Assembly House of Assembly is a name given to the legislature or lower house of a bicameral parliament. In some countries this may be at a subnational level. Historically, in British Crown colonies as the colony gained more internal responsible gover ...

member for Kudan) is pending.

Kano State

Incumbent APC Governor

Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR (born 25 December 1949) is a Nigerian politician who is currently serving as the Governor of Kano State. He took over office in 2015. He previously served as Rabiu Kwankwaso's deputy governor twice, between 1999 to ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 50.23% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Inuwa Ibrahim Waya (former

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC Limited is a for profit oil company in Nigeria. Formerly a government-owned corporation, it was transformed from a corporation to a limited liability company in July 2022. NNPC Limited is the only entity licensed to operate in the country ...

official),

Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura (born 7 February 1977), also known as A. A. Zaura, is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and politician. He is the founder of the A. A. Zaura Foundation, a non-governmental organization that focuses on humanitar ...

(A.A.) Zaura ( 2019 GPN gubernatorial nominee), and

Barau Jibrin Senator Barau I Jibrin CON (born 1959) is a Nigerian politician and member of the 9th National Assembly, from Kano State, Nigeria. He represents Kano North Senatorial District. Senator Barau is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations ...

(

for Kano North) have either announced or have pending announcements; on the other hand, Murtala Sule Garo (Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development) and

Nasir Yusuf Gawuna Nasir Yusuf Gawuna (born 6 August 1967) is a Nigerian Health personnel, businessman and politician. In May 2022, he became the Governorship Candidate of All Progressive Congress for the 2023 Nigeria General Election. He is currently the Deput ...

(Deputy Governor) are rumored to looking at running. For the PDP, rumored candidates are Abdullahi Baffa Bichi (former Executive Secretary of

Tertiary Education Trust Fund Tertiary Education Trust Fund, abbreviated as TETFUND, is a scheme established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2011 to disburse, manage, and monitor education tax to government-owned tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The TETFUND schem ...

), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado (Chairman of Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission), and

Abba Kabir Yusuf Abba Kabir Yusuf born (5 January 1963) is a Nigerian politician who has served as the governor of Kano State since 2023. He served as a commissioner of executive council in Kano State from 2011 to 2015. Early life and education Abba Kabir Yu ...

( 2019 PDP gubernatorial nominee and former Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport).

Katsina State

Incumbent APC Governor

Aminu Bello Masari Aminu Bello Masari (born 29 May 1950) is a Nigerian politician and current Governor of Katsina State. He was the Commissioner for works, housing and transport Katsina state from 1991 to 1993. He was the speaker of the Nigerian House of Representa ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 70.04% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Rumored APC candidates include Minister of Aviation

Hadi Sirika Hadi Abubakar Sirika is the current Minister for Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is a former Member House of Representative, and assumed the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2011, where he represents Katsina North Se ...

, Senator for Katsina North

Ahmad Babba Kaita Ahmad Babba Kaita is a Nigerian senator. He was a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the Congress for Progressive Change in the Kankia/ Ingawa/Kusada constituency of Katsina State, Nigeria. He became a representativ ...

, SMEDAN Director-General Dikko Umaru Radda,

Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria was founded by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1977 to replace the Nigerian Building Society which was founded in 1956. Between 1978 and 1985, it was the only mortgage institution in Nigeria. According to t ...

Managing Director/CEO Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and former

member for Katsina Central Abubakar Sadiq Yar'adua.

Kebbi State

Incumbent APC Governor

Abubakar Atiku Bagudu Abubakar Atiku Bagudu CON (born 26 December 1961) is a Nigerian politician and the current governor of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Previously, he served as the Senator for the Kebbi Central constituency of Kebbi state. He is a named accomplice in mult ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 84.92% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Rumored APC candidates include

Nigeria Union of Teachers {{short description, Trade union in Nigeria Nigeria Union of Teachers is a major trade union in Nigeria. It was formed to create a united front for practitioners of the teaching profession in the country. Major objectives of the union covers the imp ...

President and

Nigeria Labour Congress The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is an umbrella organization for trade unions in Nigeria. History The Nigerian Labour Congress was founded in December 1978, as a merger of four different organisations: the Nigeria Trade Union Congress (NTUC) ...

Vice National Chairman Nasir Idris, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation

Abubakar Malami Abubakar Malami (born 17 April 1967), is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who since 2015 is serving as Minister for Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation. Background Abubakar Malami, a Fulani Muslim, was born on 17 April 1967 in Bir ...

, Senator for Kebbi North

Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi CON (born 10 December 1950) is a Nigerian politician and was an associate professor. He was born in Argungu, in the present Kebbi State of Nigeria. He is the Senator representing Kebbi North Senatorial District of Kebbi ...

, and Senator for Kebbi South Bala Ibn Na'allah. For the PDP, former

Army An army (from Old French ''armee'', itself derived from the Latin verb ''armāre'', meaning "to arm", and related to the Latin noun ''arma'', meaning "arms" or "weapons"), ground force or land force is a fighting force that fights primarily on ...

Major General Aminu Bande has announced his candidacy.

Kogi State

Incumbent APC Governor

Yahaya Bello Yahaya Adoza Bello (born 18 June 1975) is a Nigerian businessman and politician who has served as the Governor of Kogi State since 2016. A member of the All Progressives Congress, Bello has been the youngest governor in Nigeria throughout his te ...

was elected to a second term in

with 66.51% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Potential APC candidates are

Smart Adeyemi Smart Adeyemi (born 18 August 1960 at Iyara in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State ) was elected Senator for the Kogi West constituency of Kogi State, Nigeria, taking office on 29 May 2007. He is a member of the APC. Re-elected as senato ...

(

for Kogi West), Abdulkareem Jamiu Asuku (Chief of Staff to Bello),

Jibrin Isah Jibrin Isah (born 28 February 1960) is Nigerian politician and banker, who is the senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District of Kogi State at the 9th National Assembly. Education Isah attended the LGEA Primary School, Ajiolo-Ojaji fr ...

(

for Kogi East), Mukadam Ashiru Idris (Commissioner of Finance), and

Edward David Onoja Edward Onoja (born 9 August 1974) is a Nigerian politician who has served as the deputy governor of Kogi State since 2019. He hails from Odidoko-Emonyoku in Ogugu District of Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was the Chief of Staf ...

(Deputy Governor). A rumored PDP candidate is

Dino Melaye Dino Melaye (born 7 January 1974) is a Nigerian politician, a former senator and was a member of the 8th Nigerian National Assembly, representing Kogi West Senatorial district. He is from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi ...

, 2019 PDP gubernatorial candidate and former

for Kogi West.

Kwara State

Incumbent APC Governor

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (born 5 February 1960) is a Nigerian politician, who has served as governor of Kwara State since 2019. He was previously the CEO of First Fuels Limited. He contested unsuccessfully for the governor of Kwara State in 2003, ...

was elected to a first term in

with 73.12% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. Rumored PDP candidates include

Bolaji Abdullahi Bolaji Abdullahi Ganiyu (born 12 August 1969) is a Nigerian politician, journalist, and writer from Ilorin, Kwara State. He served in the cabinet of the ex-Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, as the Honourable Minister of Youth Development in ...

(former Minister of Sports and former Minister of Youth Development), Ali Ahmad (former

member for Ilorin South, former Speaker of the

Kwara State House of Assembly The Kwara State House of Assembly is the legislative arm of the government of Kwara State of Nigeria. It is a unicameral legislature having 24 members elected from the 16 local government areas of the state. Local government areas with con ...

, and former

member for Ilorin East/Ilorin South), and Abdulwahab Issa (former

member for Ilorin East/Ilorin South).

Lagos State

Incumbent APC Governor

Babajide Sanwo-Olu Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born 25 June 1968) is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Lagos State. He became governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress after contesting and unexpectedly winning the gubernatorial ...

was elected to a first term in

with 75.65% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. Rumored APC primary challengers to Sanwo-Olu include

Tokunbo Abiru Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA popularly called Tokunbo Abiru (born 25 March 1964) is a Nigerian Banker and Politician. He is the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial district at the 9th Nigerian National Assembly. He was the Group Mana ...

(

for Lagos East (2020–present) and former Commissioner for Finance),

Femi Hamzat Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (born 19 September 1964) is a Nigerian politician who serves as the Deputy Governor of Lagos State. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria into the family of Late Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat and Late Alhaja Kehinde Hamzat from Iga E ...

(Deputy Governor and former Commissioner for Science and Technology), and

Hakeem Muri-Okunola Hakeem Muri-Okunola (born 7 January 1972) is a Nigerian lawyer, public administrator, technocrat and current Lagos State Head of Service. He is the first son of the late respected Justice Muritala Okunola. Background & Education After his prim ...

( state Head of Service) among others. For the PDP, potential candidates include Adedeji Doherty (former Lagos State PDP Chairman), Ade Dosunmu (former Director General of the

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), formerly the National Maritime Authority (NMA) is responsible for regulations related to Nigerian shipping, maritime labor and coastal waters. The agency also undertakes inspections ...

), and

Babatunde Gbadamosi Babatunde O. Gbadamosi (born 15 October 1967), is a Nigerian businessman, real estate developer and politician. Early life Gbadamosi was born on October 15, 1967, in England to the family of the late Fatai Gbadamosi and Alhaja Jemilat Gbad ...

(2020 PDP Lagos East senatorial by-election nominee and 2019 ADP gubernatorial nominee) while Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran has declared his candidacy.

Nasarawa State

Incumbent APC Governor Abdullahi Sule was elected to a first term in

with 48.78% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. Rumored PDP candidates include 2019 PDP gubernatorial nominee and former Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba

Representative Representative may refer to: Politics *Representative democracy, type of democracy in which elected officials represent a group of people *House of Representatives, legislative body in various countries or sub-national entities *Legislator, someon ...

David Ombugadu David Emmanuel Ombugadu is a Nigerian politician who was a Member of House of Representatives Nigeria representing Akwanga, Wamba and Nassarawa Eggon federal constituency from 2011 to 2019. He contested as the governorship candidate of the People ...

, former Nasarawa North Senator and 2019 PDP gubernatorial candidate Solomon Ewuga, and 2015 PDP gubernatorial nominee Yusuf Agabi. A rumored APGA candidate is

2015 File:2015 Events Collage new.png, From top left, clockwise: Civil service in remembrance of November 2015 Paris attacks; Germanwings Flight 9525 was purposely crashed into the French Alps; the rubble of residences in Kathmandu following the April ...

and

APGA gubernatorial nominee Labaran Maku.

Niger State

Incumbent APC Governor

Abubakar Sani Bello Abubakar Sani Bello also known as ''Lolo,'' is a Nigerian politician and the current executive Governor of Niger State, Nigeria. He is a member of All Progressive Congress (APC) Background Abubakar Sani Bello was Born on 17 December 1967. He ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 58.43% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Rumored APC candidates include Abubakar Lado Abdullahi (

member for Gurara/Suleja/Tafa and former

member),

Ahmed Muhammad Ketso Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso is the deputy governor of Niger State Niger is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria and the largest state in the country. Niger state has three political zones, zone A,B and C. The state's capital is at ...

(Deputy Governor),

Sani Ndanusa Sani Ndanusa (born 5 May 1957) is a Nigerian civil servant who was appointed Minister of Youths, Sports and Social Development in December 2008. He left office in March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet. Sani Ndan ...

(former Minister of Youths, Sports and Social Development), and Umaru Mohammed Bago (

member for Chanchaga). Rumored PDP candidates include Isah Liman Kantigi ( 2015 PDP deputy gubernatorial nominee) and Mohammed Sani Kutigi (

and

PDP gubernatorial nominee, former

member for Lavun/Mokwa/Edati (2011–2015), and son of former Supreme Court Chief Justice

Idris Legbo Kutigi Idris Legbo Kutigi (31 December 1939 – 21 October 2018) was a Nigerian lawyer and jurist. He was Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State before becoming a high court judge. He joined the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1992 a ...

Ogun State

Incumbent APC Governor

Dapo Abiodun Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun (born 29 May 1960) is a Nigerian businessman and politician, who has served as Governor of Ogun State since 2019. He won the 2019 general elections under the platform of the All Progressive Congress. He was the board Cha ...

was elected to a first term in

with 35.49% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. Rumored APC primary challengers to Abiodun include

Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Solomon Olamilekan Adeola CON also known by the alias Yayi (born 10 August 1969), is a Nigerian politician serving as the Senator from Lagos West. From 2011 to 2015, he was the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts. ...

(Senator for Lagos West, former

member for Alimosho, and former

Lagos State House of Assembly The Lagos State House of Assembly is the state legislature of Lagos State. It is situated along Governor's Avenue in the state capital, Ikeja. The House of Assembly is currently under the All Progressives Congress political party which is the c ...

member for Alimosho II),

Adekunle Akinlade Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade (born 9 October 1969) is a Nigerian politician. He represented Egbado South and Ipokia federal constituency in the House of Representatives. He left the All Progressive Congress and joined the Allied Peoples Movement ...

(former

member for Egbado South/Ipokia (2015–2019) and 2019 APC gubernatorial candidate and APM gubernatorial nominee), Gboyega Nasir Isiaka ( 2019 ADC gubernatorial nominee, 2015 PDP gubernatorial nominee, and former Governor

Gbenga Daniel Gbenga Daniel (born 6 April 1956) is a Nigerian politician and Governor of Ogun State of Nigeria from 29 May 2003 to 29 May 2011. He is the owner of Kresta Laurel, an Electro-mechanical Engineering company, he started in 1990. He is also the F ...

administration aide), and

Ramoni Olalekan Mustapha Ramoni Olalekan Mustapha (born 25 February 1960) is a Nigerian senator representing Ogun East consistency of Ogun State since 2019. He previously represened the same constituency from 2007 to 2011 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Part ...

(Senator for Ogun East). For the PDP, potential candidates include

Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu (born 25 February 1962) is a Nigerian politician from Ogun State. At the Age of 30, he won his seat in the National Assembly in 1992 where he represented the Remo Federal Constituency under the umbrella of the now def ...

(former

member for Remo/Shagamu/Ikenne (2015–2019) and 2019 PDP gubernatorial candidate) and Segun Sowunmi (

Atiku Abubakar Atiku is a given name and surname. It may refer to: Given name * Atiku Abubakar (born 1946), Nigerian politician and businessman, Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 * Atikur Rahman Mallik, Bangladeshi film editor Middle name * Abubakar At ...

2019 presidential campaign spokesman).

Oyo State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Seyi Makinde Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (born 25 December 1967) is a Nigerian businessman, politician and philanthropist who has served as Governor of Oyo State since 29 May 2019. He is an engineer and a subject matter expert on fluid and gas metering. He is th ...

was elected to a first term in

with 56.24% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. Rumored APC candidates include former

CBN CBN, or cbn, may refer to: Broadcasting organizations * Radio stations in St. John's, Newfoundland: ** CBN (AM), CBC Radio One ** CBN-FM, CBC Music * Chronicle Broadcasting Network, the predecessor of ABS-CBN * CBN (Australian TV station), a TV s ...

Deputy Governor of Operations and 2019 APC gubernatorial nominee

Adebayo Adelabu Adebayo Adelabu (born 28 September 1970) is a former deputy governor, operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria and 2019 Oyo State gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress. Early life and education Adelabu was born to Aderibi ...

, Senator for Oyo Central

Teslim Folarin Teslim Kolawole Folarin (born October 1963) is a Nigerian politician. and the Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State for the 2023 general election Early life and education Folarin is a son of Alhaji and Alhaja Hamz ...

, and former Chief of Staff to former Governor

Abiola Ajimobi Senator Isiaka Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi (16 December 1949 – 25 June 2020) was a Nigerian politician from Oyo State, south-western Nigeria. He was formerly the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil and Chemical Marketing ...

and

Nigerian Communications Commission The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is the independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. The NCC was created under Decree number 75 by the Federal Military Government of Nigeria on 24 November 1992. The ...

Chairman

Adeolu Akande Adeolu Akande is a native of Otu in Itesuwaju Local Government of Oyo state and also a Nigerian political scientist and professor of Political Science at the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State. Education He obtained his university degree in 19 ...

, Senator for Oyo North

Abdulfatai Buhari Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari is a Nigerian senator representing Oyo North Senatorial district. He was first elected during the 2015 senatorial elections and reelected at the 2019 senatorial elections. He has served as a commissioner for Local Gove ...

, former Senator for Oyo South and 2019 ADC gubernatorial candidate

Olufemi Lanlehin Solagbade Olufemi Lanlehin (also Known as ''SOLAN'') is a Nigerian lawyer and politician. He represented the Oyo South Senatorial district in the 7th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He contested for the seat of Governor of Oyo stat ...

, and 2019 APC gubernatorial candidate Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe.

Plateau State

Incumbent APC Governor

Simon Lalong Simon Lalong CON (born 5 May 1963 in Shendam, Plateau State) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician, who is the incumbent Governor of Plateau State, Nigeria. Education After his elementary and secondary schools education in Shendam Local Governme ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 51.35% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Rumored APC candidates include Deputy Governor

Sonni Gwanle Tyoden Sonni Gwanle Tyoden (born 22 September 1950) is a Nigerian Professor of Political Science, Educational Administrator, and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos. Education Tyoden was born on 22 September 1950. He attended Boys Secon ...

and Plateau Central Senator

Dimka Ayuba Dimka Ayuba is a senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It ...

. Rumored PDP candidates include former Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam

Timothy Golu and former

Nigeria Immigration Service The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is governmental organization responsible for border security and migration management in Nigeria. It was established by the Act of Parliament in 1963. In 2015, the 1963 Act was repelled and replaced with the ...

Comptroller-General and 2019 PDP Plateau Central senatorial nominee David Shikfu Parradang.

Rivers State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Ezenwo Nyesom Wike Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (born 13 December 1967), is a Nigerian politician and lawyer who is the sixth and current Governor of Rivers State. He is an Ikwerre from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State. He is a member of the People's Democratic ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 83.28% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Rumored APC candidates include former Rivers South East Senator

Magnus Abe Magnus Ngei Abe (born 24 May 1965) is a Nigerian politician who served as a Senator for the Rivers South East Senatorial District of Rivers State, Nigeria. He was first elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2011 in the April 2011 Federal elections ...

and 2015 LP and 2007 AC gubernatorial nominee

Tonye Princewill Prince Tonye Princewill (Tonye Princewill) (born 4 January 1969) is a Nigerian investor, politician, film producer and philanthropist who was the 2015 Labour Party and 2007 Action Congress nominee for Governor of Rivers State. He is currently ...

. Rumored PDP candidates include former Rivers State PDP Chairman

Felix A. Obuah Felix Amaechi Obuah (born 16 December) is a Nigerian business magnate, politician and philanthropist originally from Omoku, Rivers State, Nigeria. He has been the chairman of the Rivers State People's Democratic Party since 2013 and was reel ...

, former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment and former SSG

Kenneth Kobani Kenneth Bie Kobani is a Nigerian politician of the People's Democratic Party. He is a former Rivers State Commissioner of Finance, and was previously a Commissioner of Commerce and Industry. He was a former National Treasurer of the defunct Action ...

, Senator for Rivers South East

Barry Mpigi Barry Barinada Mpigi (born 1961) is a Nigerian politician from Rivers State, Nigeria. He served as a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Nigeria's bicameral National Assembly. ...

, former Senator for Rivers South East

Lee Maeba Lee Ledogo Maeba is a Nigerian politician who was elected senator for the Rivers State South East constituency on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform in April 2003, at age 37, and was reelected in April 2007. As of 15 March 2004, Maeba ...

, former Senator for Rivers South East

Olaka Nwogu Olaka Nwogu (born 26 January 1965) is a Nigerian Business Man, Civil Servant and Politician who was a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 until 2011 for People's Democratic Party. He represented the constituency of Tai–Eleme–Oyi ...

, and

member for Khana/Gokana

Dum Dekor Dumnamene Robinson Dekor (born 1968) also known as Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor is a Nigerian politician who was Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2011. He represented Khana II in the 6th Rivers State House of Assembly. ...

Sokoto State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Aminu Tambuwal Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (born 10 January 1966) is a Nigerian politician who serves as the Governor of Sokoto State in Nigeria, having won election during the 2015 general elections and re-elected in the 2019 general elections. Tambuwal is a member ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 49.41% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Some rumored APC candidates include

Abubakar Umar Gada Abubakar Umar Gada was a Nigerian senator who represented the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State. He became a member of the Nigerian Senate in 2007. Background Abubakar Umar Gada was born on 16 January 1966. He has a master's deg ...

(

for Sokoto East), Abdullahi Ibrahim Gobir (

for Sokoto East),

Abdullahi Balarabe Salame Abdullahi Balarabe Salame is a Nigerian politician born on (5 March 1961) in Gwadabawa Local government of Sokoto. He is a member of parliament for Gwadabawa and Illela constituency, at Federal House of Representatives under a platform of All P ...

(

member for Gwadabawa/Illela), and Abubakar Shehu Tambuwal (former

for Sokoto South). For the PDP, rumored candidates include

Garba Ila Gada Garba may refer to: * Garba (dance), a form of dance originating from Gujarat, India People *Ahmed Garba (born 1980), Nigerian football striker *Bala Garba (born 1974), Nigerian football coach *Binta Masi Garba (born 1967), Nigerian politician and ...

( 2012 DPP gubernatorial nominee and

for Sokoto North),

Manir Dan Iya Manir Muhammad Dan Iya ''Sardaunan Kware'' is a Nigeria politician who served as the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State in the People's Democratic Party (Nigeria), People's Democratic Party (PDP) from 2018 to 2023. He hails from Kware Local Governm ...

(Deputy Governor),

Muktar Shagari Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, CFR (born 26 December 1956) was appointed Nigerian Minister of Water Resources in a June 2001 reshuffle of the cabinet of President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was later appointed President of the African Ministers Cou ...

(former Deputy Governor, former Minister of Water Resources, and nephew of former

Shehu Shagari Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari (25 February 1925 – 28 December 2018), titled Turakin Sokoto from 1962, was the first democratically elected President of Nigeria, after the transfer of power by military head of state General Olusegun Obasanjo i ...

), and Saidu Umar (Secretary to the State Government and former Commissioner of Finance).

Taraba State

Incumbent PDP Governor

Darius Ishaku Darius Dickson Ishaku, FNIA, FNITP CON (born 30 July 1954) is a Nigerian architect, urban planner, university lecturer and politician. He is a member of the People's Democratic Party and the Governor of Taraba State. Early life Ishaku was b ...

was re-elected to a second term in

with 57.21% of the vote. He will be term-limited in 2023 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Some rumored PDP candidates include

Victor Bala Kona The name Victor or Viktor may refer to: * Victor (name), including a list of people with the given name, mononym, or surname Arts and entertainment Film * ''Victor'' (1951 film), a French drama film * ''Victor'' (1993 film), a French shor ...

(former Taraba State PDP Chairman), Joseph Albasu Kunini (House of Assembly member for Lau and Speaker of the

), and

Anthony George Manzo Anthony George Manzo (born 1958) was elected Senator for the Taraba North senatorial district of Taraba State, Nigeria, taking office on 29 May 2007. He is a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Background Manzo was born in 1958. He ...

(former Senator for Taraba North). For the APC, rumored candidates include

Emmanuel Bwacha Emmanuel Bwacha CON is a Nigerian politician who was elected to the Senate for the Taraba South Senatorial District of Taraba State, Nigeria, in the 2011 general elections. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). H ...

(Senator for Taraba South),

Abubakar Sani Danladi Abū Bakr ( ar, أبو بكر ) is an Arabic given name meaning "Father of a Young Camel" (Abu meaning 'Father of' and Bakr meaning 'Young Camel') that is widely used by Sunni Muslims. Other transliterations include Abu Bakar, Abu Bekr, Ebubekir, ...

( 2019 APC gubernatorial nominee and former Senator for Taraba North), and

Saleh Mamman Mamman Kwagyang Saleh (born 2 January 1958), is a Nigerian government official that served as Minister of Power from August 2019 to September 2021. He was sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari on 21 August 2019 after being nominated by Buhari an ...

(former Minister of Power) along with others.

Yobe State

Incumbent APC Governor

Mai Mala Buni Mai Mala Buni CON(born 19 November 1967), is a Nigerian politician. He was born in Buni Yadi, Gujba local government area of Yobe state, North east Nigeria. He is the current governor of Yobe State, Nigeria. He was elected governor during the 2 ...

was elected to a first term in

with 81.26% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. A potential PDP candidate is 2019 PDP gubernatorial nominee Umar Iliya Damagum.

Zamfara State

Incumbent PDP-turned-APC Governor

Bello Matawalle Bello Muhammad (born 12 February 1962), known as Bello Matawalle, is a Nigerian politician and teacher who has served as the Governor of Zamfara State since 2019. After briefly serving in the Abacha-era state house of assembly and serving as a st ...

was elected to a first term in

after a court decision. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. A potential PDP candidate is Deputy Governor

Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed Gusau Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (born 5 December 1981) is a Nigerian politician and lawyer, he served as deputy governor of Zamfara State from 2019 until his impeachment in 2022. He is a son of General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau who is a former Minist ...

References

{{Authority control

2023 Events Predicted and scheduled events * January 1 ** In the United States, books, films, and other works published in 1927 will enter the public domain, assuming there are no changes made to copyright law. ** Croatia will adopt the eu ...

Governors A governor is an administrative leader and head of a polity or political region, ranking under the head of state and in some cases, such as governors-general, as the head of state's official representative. Depending on the type of political r ...