According to report by The Nation on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify, the governorship primaries within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are emerging as the most competitive and closely watched contests across Nigeria.…....
Governorship elections are scheduled to hold in 28 states, while eight states with off-cycle elections will not participate in the exercise.
Several governors, including those of Lagos, Oyo, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Nasarawa, are completing their constitutional two terms and are now focused on influencing who succeeds them.
The APC currently controls most of the states where elections will take place, making its governorship tickets highly sought after.
Internal battles, alliances, zoning arrangements and political godfathers are already shaping the contests in many states.
In Abia State, the APC governorship race features three major aspirants; Eric Opah, Henry Ikoh and Mascot Uzor Kalu.
Attempts to produce a consensus candidate failed, leading to a direct primary contest across the state’s wards.
Political analysts believe the outcome will determine how prepared the APC is to challenge the ruling Labour Party government.
Opah is reportedly backed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, while Mascot Kalu is expected to benefit from the political influence of his elder brother, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
Henry Ikoh, a former minister, also remains a strong contender with support in his home area.
In Adamawa, the APC primary is expected to be highly competitive, with notable aspirants including Mustapha Salihu, Ahmed Galadima, Abdulrazak Namdas, Abdulrahman Haske and Salihu Girei. Salihu and Galadima are viewed as front-runners because of their strong political backing.
While Salihu is believed to enjoy Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s support, Galadima is reportedly backed by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Akwa Ibom appears less competitive within the APC as Governor Umo Eno enjoys widespread support from party stakeholders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In Bauchi, however, the governorship contest is shaping into a fierce battle involving prominent APC figures such as Yusuf Tuggar, Senator Shehu Buba and Bala Wunti, each relying on different strengths ranging from grassroots appeal to technocratic credentials.
In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia is seeking re-election amid growing support from party stakeholders after a reconciliation with SGF George Akume.
