SOKOTO GOVERNORSHIP RACE WIDENS AS 19 CANDIDATES MAKE INEC LIST

The 2027 Sokoto State governorship election is set to feature a crowded field, with no fewer than 19 candidates listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the contest.

The list was displayed at the INEC state office on Saturday, August 29, 2026, and showed candidates representing several political parties competing for the state’s top political position.

Among the parties with candidates on the list are the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Social Democratic Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Action Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement and Zenith Labour Party.

Other parties listed include the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Peoples Redemption Party, National Rescue Movement, African Action Congress, Accord, Young Progressives Party, National Democratic Party and National Democratic Congress.

The incumbent governor, Ahmed Aliyu, is among those listed as a candidate for the election, setting the stage for a contest involving several political parties seeking to take control of the state.

However, the PDP's presence on the list has already generated controversy because of the party's unresolved internal crisis. Abdullah Sokoto Abubakar was listed as the candidate produced by the faction associated with the Wike/Bature camp.

The development has created uncertainty within the opposition party, with the other PDP faction yet to announce its position on the candidate listed by INEC.

The party's Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, said the faction was studying the situation and would communicate its position after considering the development.

The dispute could become an important factor in the political contest as the PDP attempts to manage its internal differences while preparing for the 2027 election.

With 19 candidates now listed, the Sokoto governorship race is expected to attract significant political activity as the parties begin to mobilise supporters and present their programmes to voters.

The APC, PDP, ADC and other major political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns as the election draws closer, while smaller parties will also seek to make an impact by offering alternative political platforms.

The large number of candidates could make the contest more competitive, particularly if the opposition parties succeed in consolidating their support across the state's various constituencies.

For the electorate, the coming campaign period is expected to provide an opportunity to compare the candidates, their policies and their plans for the development of Sokoto State.

The 2027 election will ultimately determine whether the APC retains control of the state or whether one of the opposition parties succeeds in securing the governorship.