The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 16 governorship candidates cleared to contest the 2027 election in Oyo State.
The list, released on October 10, 2026, features candidates representing 16 political parties seeking to occupy the Agodi Government House in Ibadan.
Among the major contenders are Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hazeem Ola Gbolarumi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulrahman Oriyomi Hamzat of the Accord Party and Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The publication provides an official record of the candidates recognised by the electoral commission as preparations for the governorship election gather momentum.
Full List of Oyo State Governorship Candidates for 2027
According to the published list, the candidates and their political parties are:
Abdulrahman Oriyomi Hamzat — Accord Party
Saheed Oladele — African Action Congress (AAC)
Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke — African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Kunle James Olatunji — Action Democratic Party (ADP)
Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli — All Progressives Congress (APC)
Gbolagade Tajudeen Salami — All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
Abimbola Adekanmbi — Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM)
Ismaila Akinboye Tijani — Action Peoples Party (APP)
Sola Thompson Kareem — Labour Party (LP)
Akim Adebola Yusuf — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
Ibiyemi Otegbeye Taiwo — National Democratic Party (NDP)
Taofeek Ademola Afolabi — National Rescue Movement (NRM)
Hazeem Ola Gbolarumi — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Kazeem Ayandoye Yinusa — Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
Idowu Adedeji Adeyemi — Young Progressives Party (YPP)
Waheed Olanrewaju Azzan — Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Major Political Parties Prepare for Contest
The final list confirms representation from several political parties, setting the stage for a multi-party contest in Oyo State.
Alli will represent the APC, while Gbolarumi is listed as the PDP candidate. Hamzat will contest under the Accord Party, and Adegoke will represent the ADC.
Other parties, including the Labour Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress and Young Progressives Party, will also participate in the race.
With the official publication of the candidates’ names, political parties are expected to intensify their mobilisation efforts, engage voters and prepare their campaign strategies ahead of the election.
Candidates Look Ahead to 2027 Election
The release of the list marks an important stage in the electoral process, giving parties and their supporters greater clarity about the candidates recognised by INEC.
The candidates will be seeking support across Oyo State, where issues such as infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, employment and economic development are likely to feature prominently in the political debate.
As preparations continue, attention will remain on the candidates’ policy proposals, campaign activities and efforts to win the confidence of voters.
INEC’s publication establishes the official lineup for the Oyo governorship contest, although any subsequent corrections or legal developments will depend on the applicable electoral procedures.
The 2027 election is expected to attract considerable political attention as parties compete for control of the state government.
