• Nigeria's 2027 presidential election is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable political contests in recent history
• The race is no longer just about APC versus PDP, as new political alliances and party defections continue to reshape the landscape
• Here is the full list of all the presidential candidates for each political party ahead of the 2027 elections 

If you thought the 2027 election would be a simple rematch of the faces Nigerians already know, think again.

From former presidents making surprise comebacks to opposition politicians switching parties and building new alliances, the battle for Aso Rock is already taking shape. And if current political moves continue, Nigerians could be looking at one of the most dramatic presidential contests in recent history.

Before campaign posters flood every street corner and social media timeline, here's a breakdown of the major presidential candidates linked to political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

It's important to note that many party positions, alliances and candidacies remain fluid. Political parties can still experience defections, court rulings, mergers and internal disputes before the election.

Prospective candidates for Nigeria's 2027 presidential election

1. APC: Bola Tinubu wants a second term

President Bola Tinubu is widely expected to seek a second term in office under the APC banner.

The ruling party has repeatedly shown support for his re-election bid, positioning him as its leading candidate for 2027.

However, many Nigerians continue to debate the impact of his economic reforms on living costs, inflation and household spending.

2. PDP: Is Goodluck Jonathan heading for a stunning return?

One of the biggest political stories heading into 2027 is the re-emergence of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Reports suggest that a faction of the PDP has endorsed Jonathan as its presidential candidate. His supporters believe his experience as former governor, vice president and president could appeal to voters seeking a familiar face.

Meanwhile, the PDP continues to battle internal divisions, with different factions laying claim to leadership and candidate selection. 

3. ADC: Atiku Abubakar's new political home

After contesting previous presidential elections under the PDP, Atiku Abubakar is now being linked with the ADC.

TheRadar earlier reported that he secured the ADC presidential ticket following opposition coalition talks. This move could reshape opposition politics because Atiku still commands significant influence in northern Nigeria and among long-time supporters.

4. NDC: Peter Obi's new platform is raising eyebrows

Peter Obi remains one of the most talked-about politicians in Nigeria.

Recent reports indicate that Obi is associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 election.

The big question is can Obi convert online popularity into nationwide electoral victory if he contests under a different platform?

5. APM: Seyi Makinde emerges as a southern power player

The Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has increasingly been mentioned among potential presidential contenders.

Earlier, TheRadar reported that he secured the presidential nomination of the APM.

Makinde is often praised for governance initiatives in Oyo State and is seen by many political observers as a younger alternative to Nigeria's traditional political establishment.

6. PRP: Donald Duke returns to the national conversation

Former Cross River governor Donald Duke remains one of the more familiar names among Nigerians looking for alternatives outside the APC-PDP rivalry.

Reports suggest he is associated with the PRP presidential ticket ahead of 2027. Many Nigerians still remember his administration in Cross River State, particularly projects linked to tourism and infrastructure.

7. AAC: Omoyele Sowore stays in the race

Activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore continues to position himself as an anti-establishment candidate.

He remains linked with the AAC and has consistently challenged Nigeria's dominant political parties.

His biggest strength is the loyal support base that views him as one of the few politicians willing to openly challenge the political status quo.

8. SDP: Adewole Adebayo

The SDP is also expected to feature prominently in the 2027 conversation and reports indicate that Adewole Adebayo remains associated with the party's presidential ambitions. As frustration with traditional political parties grows, smaller parties may attract voters searching for alternatives.

9. Labour Party: Chibuzo Okereke, a new face emerges

One of the biggest surprises in the early stages of the 2027 election cycle is the emergence of Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as the Labour Party's presidential candidate. Reports indicate that the party adopted Okereke through a consensus arrangement among party stakeholders.

According to the Labour Party, Okereke is a governance expert, policy strategist and reform advocate with experience in legislative governance and institutional development.

Beyond APC, PDP and ADC: presidential candidates for other parties

While the spotlight is mostly on heavyweights like Bola Tinubu, Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, several smaller political parties have already unveiled candidates for the 2027 presidential race.

Don't make the mistake of ignoring them. Nigerian politics has a history of surprise movements, unexpected alliances and candidates who suddenly become part of the national conversation.

Here's a look at some of the candidates flying the flags of other political parties ahead of 2027.

1. Accord Party: Christopher Imumolen

Professor Christopher Imumolen has emerged as the Accord Party's presidential candidate for the 2027 election following a consensus process. Imumolen, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, previously contested in the 2023 presidential election and remains one of the youngest figures in the current political space.

2. Action Democratic Party (ADP): Aliyu Bin Abbas

Abbas has been linked with the ADP's presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

His candidacy reflects the party's attempt to position itself as an alternative to Nigeria's traditional political power blocs.

3. Young Progressives Party (YPP): Anita Zugwai-Chukwu

Anita Zugwai-Chukwu has emerged as the YPP presidential candidate, making history as one of the few female contenders in the race. 

The YPP says her candidacy represents its push for people-centred governance, accountability and youth inclusion.

4. Zenith Labour Party (ZLP): Dan Nwanyanwu

Dan Nwanyanwu is associated with the Zenith Labour Party's presidential ambition for the 2027 election. As a long-time political figure, he brings decades of experience in party administration and national politics.

5. National Rescue Movement (NRM): Esther Okereke

Dr Esther Okereke has emerged as the NRM presidential candidate for 2027, becoming the party's first female presidential flagbearer. 

Her emergence adds to the growing number of women seeking Nigeria's highest political office.

6. Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA): Barrister Samuel Memeh

Barrister Samuel Memeh has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA).

The DLA is one of the newer parties hoping to gain national visibility through the 2027 election.

7. National Democratic Party (NDP): Ada Frederick Okwori

Ada Frederick Okwori is the National Democratic Party's presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Her candidacy makes her one of the female contenders in a field still largely dominated by male politicians.

Political coalitions, defections and last-minute negotiations are already reshaping the landscape. Opposition parties have repeatedly discussed working together to challenge the APC, although the final structure remains unclear. 

And if history has taught Nigerians anything, it is that today's political enemy can become tomorrow's running mate.

The race for Aso Rock is still unfolding, but several names are already dominating conversations across Nigeria.

This wider field means the 2027 presidential election may not be just a battle between the familiar political giants. Smaller parties are already trying to carve out their own space, and as coalition talks continue, some of these names could become more influential than many Nigerians expect.

The only certainty for now?

The list of candidates may still change before Nigerians head to the polls and that means the biggest political surprises could still be ahead.

“The stakes are higher” — Atiku Abubakar hints at final bid in 2027

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that forrmer Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the 2027 presidential election will likely be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s president.

When asked why Nigerians should trust him with the presidency after several previous attempts and given his age, Atiku argued that the country’s main challenge is poor leadership.

According to him, his years of political experience, including serving as vice president and military governor, distinguish him from many younger politicians.