INEC Publishes List of 12 Candidates for 2027 Kwara Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the names of 12 governorship candidates and their running mates for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, officially opening a new phase in the race for the state’s top political office.

The candidates were unveiled in Ilorin on Saturday, with major political parties and several smaller parties fielding contenders for the election.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will be represented by Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, alongside Bello Mubarak Salau as his running mate. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominated Bolakale Kawu, with Fawenu Corlenius as deputy governorship candidate.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is fielding Apaokagi Salahudeen and Kolawole Thawphic, while other parties including the Action Democratic Party, Accord Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Movement, National Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, and New Nigeria Peoples Party have also presented candidates.

The publication of the candidates’ list signals the formal commencement of preparations for the 2027 governorship contest, as political parties intensify campaigns and mobilisation efforts across the state.