The 2027 Enugu State governorship election is set to be a competitive contest as Governor Peter Mbah faces 14 other candidates seeking to occupy the Government House in the state.

The names of the 15 governorship candidates were displayed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at its Enugu State headquarters on Monday.

The list contained the personal details and political affiliations of all candidates cleared to participate in the race for the state’s top political office.

Mbah seeks second term

Governor Peter Mbah, the incumbent governor of Enugu State, is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His campaign is expected to focus on his administration’s development projects, infrastructure initiatives and social intervention programmes.

Sources within the administration said the governor’s achievements and ongoing projects would form a major part of his campaign message as he seeks another term.

Major opposition candidates emerge

Among those challenging Mbah is Chief Uchenna Nnaji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Other notable candidates include Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Chief Obodoeze Ocho of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The INEC list also includes Mr Edwin Alor of Accord and Prof. Jehu Nnaji of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The Labour Party (LP) candidate is Mr Okwudilichukwu Ugwu, while Mr Nnamdi Ugwu represents the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA).

Full list of candidates

Other candidates contesting the Enugu governorship election are:

• Mr Anthony Udeani — Young Progressives Party (YPP)
• Mr Afamefuna Ani — Action Peoples Party (APP)
• Mr Elvis Ugwoke — Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
• Mr Friday Iloka — Social Democratic Party (SDP)
• Mr Nnamdi Omeje — Action Democratic Party (ADP)
• Mr Ken Ikeh — Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
• Chief Obioma Nnamani — Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) Party

Political activities intensify

Political activities have increased across Enugu State as candidates begin consultations with stakeholders, community leaders and political figures ahead of the election.

The crowded field is expected to produce a competitive campaign season as opposition parties attempt to challenge Mbah’s administration.

The governor is expected to highlight his government’s projects and policies as key reasons voters should support his bid for another term.

With 15 candidates now listed by INEC, the Enugu governorship race is shaping up as one of the closely watched political contests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Background Information

Enugu State has historically been a politically influential state in Nigeria’s South-East region.

Governorship elections in the state often attract strong competition because of Enugu’s economic importance, urban growth and strategic position within the region.

The 2027 election is expected to feature debates around infrastructure, economic development, governance performance and public welfare.