INEC clears 18 governorship candidates as Galadima, Binani, Haske, Ribadu make list
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the names of 18 governorship candidates and their running mates for the 2027 election in Adamawa State, setting the stage for the contest to succeed Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, features candidates from 18 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Labour Party (LP).
According to the document, Aminu Ahmed Galadima, 62, will contest on the APC platform alongside Usman Adamu Dali Kamale, 56, as his running mate.
The NDC has nominated former senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, popularly known as Binani, 55, with Dominic Emmanuel Mapeo, also 55, as her deputy governorship candidate.
Businessman Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, 36, emerged as the APM candidate, with Onatola Morakinyo Safriel, 57, as his running mate.
The ADC is fielding Modibbo Hammantukur Ribadu, 59, alongside Aguwa Kevin Iliya, 58, while the PDP has nominated Vunobolki Maurice Michael, 54, with Wambai Abubakar Mahmud, 63.
The Labour Party’s candidate is Ishaku Elisha Cliff, 46, with Jauro Faruk Sanusi, 56, as his running mate.
Other governorship candidates include Cholli Yahaya of Accord (A), Dawa Philip B of Action Alliance (AA), Hussaini Sulaiman Tahir of the African Action Congress (AAC), and Umaru Babangida Bajabure of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
Also listed are Bashir Suleiman Alhaji of APGA, Aliyu Suleiman of APP, Tame Vadlya Tizhe of DLA, Bundi Ahmadu Pius of NNPP, Samuel Faith Monday of NRM, Nathaniel Christopher Osim of SDP, Theman Wafarninyi of YPP and Alahirah Maimako of ZLP.
An examination of the list shows that 16 governorship candidates are men, while two are women. Haske, at 36, is the youngest candidate, while Hussaini Sulaiman Tahir, 71, is the oldest.
The publication confirms the candidates and running mates submitted by the participating political parties, although their nominations remain subject to any applicable court decisions.
The Adamawa governorship election is scheduled for 6 February 2027.