2027 Governorship Campaigns Begin as Candidates Unveil Promises Across States
2027 Governorship Campaigns Begin as Candidates Unveil Promises Across States
ABUJA — Governorship candidates and political parties across Nigeria have begun campaigns for the 2027 elections, with contenders unveiling programmes focused on security, agriculture, education, healthcare, employment and economic development.
The governorship campaign period formally commenced on Wednesday, September 9, setting the stage for a contest expected to be dominated by debates over security, economic development and the welfare of citizens.
Across the North-West, South-East and South-West, candidates have started presenting their policy agendas while political parties and stakeholders have called for peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
North-West ADC candidates unveil joint agenda
Seven African Democratic Congress governorship candidates in the North-West have signed a regional compact promising a N110,000 minimum wage, improved security and the establishment of 21 specialist hospitals across the region.
The Northwest ADC Governorship Candidates’ Compact 2027–2031, signed in Abuja, also outlines plans covering agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and regional economic development.
The candidates pledged to coordinate security operations, share intelligence and establish a regional security coordination centre supported by technology-driven surveillance.
They also promised to improve agriculture through protected farming corridors, irrigation rehabilitation, agro-processing and a regional grain reserve.
On education, the candidates proposed an emergency intervention to improve access to basic education, integrate Almajiri and Tsangaya children into formal schooling and strengthen teacher recruitment and training.
Candidates unveil state-specific promises
In Adamawa, APC governorship candidate Tijani Galadima based his campaign agenda largely on agriculture and security.
He promised to establish processing factories to enable farmers to earn more from their produce, create jobs and support industrial development.
In Kaduna, the APC commenced its governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns with a promise to run an issue-based campaign without insults or personal attacks.
The party said it would focus on the record of Governor Uba Sani’s administration, particularly in education, healthcare, sports and skills acquisition.
In Abia, PDP candidate Kelechi Anosike launched a 10-point manifesto tagged “People First, Abia Always.”
His proposals include mechanised farming, healthcare reforms, education support, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment, housing, security and infrastructure.
He also promised a N90,000 minimum wage and the payment of outstanding allowances, gratuities and pension arrears within 100 days of assuming office.
Ogun PDP candidate promises security, economic reforms
In Ogun State, PDP governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu unveiled his ITURA DE agenda, which focuses on security, local government autonomy, workers’ welfare, agriculture, industrial development and social services.
Adebutu promised to secure farms, highways and communities while restoring financial and administrative autonomy to local governments.
He also proposed zero-interest loans and single-digit financing for farmers, alongside vocational training and measures to support young people and small businesses.
Parties urged to avoid violence
As campaigns gather momentum, political actors and security officials have urged candidates and their supporters to avoid violence, hate speech and misinformation.
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shafa, warned politicians against conduct capable of undermining the 2027 elections.
He urged candidates to focus on policies and programmes rather than personal attacks and reminded political parties that their supporters could be held accountable for unlawful conduct.
Similarly, the Kano State Government called on candidates to run peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Monday Ubani, also warned that political competition must not degenerate into intimidation or violence.
With campaigns now formally underway, the 2027 governorship contest is increasingly taking shape around competing promises on security, jobs, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and workers’ welfare.
