Rhodes-Vivour, Malami, Ashiru, Ogboru, Others Named As Party Flagbearers
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled its governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections in 28 states across Nigeria.
The party released the list on Friday as it intensifies preparations for the next election cycle and seeks to establish itself as a major alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said the candidates would carry the party’s banner into the 2027 elections with a commitment to providing what the party described as credible leadership and a “real alternative” to Nigerians.
Prominent Names On ADC Ticket
Several well-known political figures feature prominently on the list.
In Lagos State, the party selected Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour as its governorship candidate, with Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere as his running mate.
Rhodes-Vivour previously contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party.
In Kaduna, the ADC picked Isa Mohammed Ashiru, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 election, alongside Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami was selected to contest the Kebbi governorship election.
Great Ogboru was named the party’s candidate in Delta State, while Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita will contest in Katsina.
Candidates Across The Country
The ADC also named candidates in states including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
The party’s decision to field candidates across 28 states signals an effort to build a nationwide political structure rather than concentrate solely on the presidential election.
The full list includes candidates with previous experience in national and state politics as well as individuals seeking elective office for the first time.
ADC Positions Itself As Alternative
The development comes at a time of significant opposition realignment in Nigeria.
The ADC has attracted several prominent opposition politicians and has positioned itself as a platform capable of challenging the APC.
The party’s leadership has repeatedly spoken about the need for political restructuring and a credible alternative ahead of 2027.
Fielding governorship candidates in 28 states is therefore an important component of that strategy.
Lagos And Kaduna In Focus
The selection of Rhodes-Vivour and Ashiru is particularly significant because both politicians were major opposition figures in the 2023 governorship elections.
Their return to the political contest under the ADC platform could reshape the opposition’s strategy in Lagos and Kaduna.
The ADC will now face the challenge of building campaign structures, mobilising voters and defending its candidates through the electoral process.
2027 Contest Takes Shape
With governorship candidates now emerging across 28 states, political parties are gradually moving from coalition negotiations to concrete electoral preparations.
The ADC’s next challenge will be to translate its growing political profile into votes at the polling stations.
The 2027 elections are expected to produce intense competition at both presidential and state levels, and the ADC’s nationwide candidate list could make it an important player in several governorship contests.