INEC LIST SHARPENS BATTLE FOR NIGERIA’S 109 SENATE SEATS

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, formally setting the stage for a major contest for Nigeria’s 109 senatorial seats. The publication gives political parties and voters a clearer picture of those cleared to contest the National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, with several prominent politicians now confirmed in the race.

The list features serving senators, former lawmakers, former governors, political newcomers and candidates from several parties, including the APC, ADC, NDC, PDP and Labour Party. In many districts, the presence of high-profile candidates is expected to produce closely fought contests as parties intensify their mobilisation and campaign activities ahead of the election.

Some of the notable contests include Abia North, where incumbent Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of the APC will face candidates from the ADC, NDC and PDP. In Abia South, the race includes APC's Prince Paul Ikonne, ADC's Victor Isiguzor, NDC's Michael Enyinna, PDP's Ishmael Chinyere Onuoha and Labour Party's Enyinnaya Abaribe. In Adamawa North, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is listed as the APC candidate, with contenders from the ADC, NDC and PDP also in the race.

The final list has also confirmed several high-profile battles in Kaduna State, where former Governor Mukhtar Yero is contesting Kaduna North for the APC, while former Senator Shehu Sani is seeking the Kaduna Central seat against incumbent Senator Lawal Usman. In Kaduna South, serving Senator Sunday Katung is seeking another term. The three districts have a combined 33 candidates representing different political parties.

The publication is expected to increase political activity across the country as candidates begin to focus more strongly on their constituencies and voters ahead of the January poll. With several sitting lawmakers facing former governors, former senators and new political entrants, the Senate election is likely to produce significant changes in the composition of the next National Assembly.