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2023 Gubernatorial Elections

11 March 2023

The 2023 Gubernatorial Elections was held on 11 March 2023. 424 candidates from 18 parties contested. Won by Makinde Oluseyi Abiodun of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 564K votes (63.37%).

424
Candidates
18
Parties
20.5M
Total Votes
29
States

Results

#CandidatePartyVotes%
1Yusuf Abba KabirNNPP1.1M5.2%
2Gawuna Nasiru YusufAPC891K4.3%
3Umaru Dikko RaddaAPC860K4.2%
4Sanwo-Olu Babajide OlusolaAPC762K3.7%
5Sani UbaAPC730K3.6%
6Mohammed Ashiru IsaPDP719K3.5%
7Namadi Umar AlhajiAPC618K3.0%
8Makinde Oluseyi AbiodunPDP564K2.7%
9Babagana UmaraAPC546K2.7%
10Mutfwang Caleb ManassehPDP525K2.6%

All candidates

Showing 50 of 424 candidates

YK

Yusuf Abba Kabir

WON

NNPP · Kano

Yusuf Abba Kabir, a Fulani politician from Kano, won the 2023 Kano gubernatorial election under the NNPP, became governor in May 2023, and reinstated the Emir of Kano after his legal challenges were upheld by the Supreme Court.

23 news stories · 1 policy

1.1M
Umaru Dikko Radda

Umaru Dikko Radda

WON

APC · Katsina

Economist-turned-politician Umaru Dikko Radda (APC, Katsina) won the 2023 gubernatorial election, serving as Katsina State Governor and founding the Gwagware Foundation to uplift rural communities through education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. He holds multiple awards for leadership and governance achievements.

860K
Sanwo-Olu Babajide Olusola

Sanwo-Olu Babajide Olusola

WON

APC · Lagos

Nigerian politician Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a Lagos native with a BSc in Surveying and MBA, won two gubernatorial elections (2019, 2023) as Lagos State’s governor under APC, known for infrastructure projects, leadership in public sector reforms, and notable awards.

29 news stories · 3 policies

762K
Sani Uba

Sani Uba

WON

APC · Kaduna

Nigerian politician Uba Sani, a former senator and governor of Kaduna State, won the 2023 gubernatorial election with 730,002 votes, founding the Uba Sani Foundation to improve healthcare, education, and livelihoods in Kaduna State.

27 news stories

730K
Namadi Umar Alhaji

Namadi Umar Alhaji

WON

APC · Jigawa

Umar Namadi, a chartered accountant and politician, has held key roles in Jigawa State, including deputy governor and governor since 2023, with extensive professional experience in accounting and public administration.

25 news stories

618K
MA

Makinde Oluseyi Abiodun

WON

PDP · Oyo

Nigerian engineer and politician Oluseyi Makinde, a Yoruba from Ibadan, won Oyo State's 2023 gubernatorial election with 563,756 votes, becoming the state's longest-serving governor since 2019.

17 news stories

564K
Babagana Umara

Babagana Umara

WON

APC · Borno

Babagana Umara Zulum, a Hausa Muslim academic and Borno State APC governor since 2019, holds a PhD in Soil and Water Engineering and has faced multiple Boko Haram attacks while overseeing 77 key projects across health, education, and other sectors.

12 news stories · 1 policy

546K
Mutfwang Caleb Manasseh

Mutfwang Caleb Manasseh

WON

PDP · Plateau

Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, a lawyer and politician, is the Governor of Plateau State since 2023, born in Wussasa, Zaria, with a background in education and legal practice.

19 news stories

525K
MA

Mohammed Bala Abdulkadir

WON

PDP · Bauchi

Mohammed Bala Abdulkadir, a Hausa politician from Bauchi State, is a PDP candidate who won Bauchi State gubernatorial elections with 525,280 votes, serving as governor since 2019 and previously holding key roles in the civil service and federal government.

25 news stories · 3 policies

525K
Alia Hyacinth Iormem

Alia Hyacinth Iormem

WON

APC · Benue

Hyacinth Iormem Alia, a Catholic cleric and Benue State Governor since 2023, is known for his governance reforms, infrastructure projects, and humanitarian efforts, including addressing security challenges and promoting youth empowerment in Benue State.

21 news stories · 4 policies

474K
Mohammed Umaru Bago

Mohammed Umaru Bago

WON

APC · Niger

Mohammed Umar Bago, a Nigerian politician and banker, won the 2023 Niger State gubernatorial election with 469,896 votes, becoming the current governor since May 2023. Born in Minna, Niger State, he has extensive academic and professional experience, including postgraduate degrees from Cambridge University, and notable political contributions.

2 news stories

470K
Aliyu Ahmed

Aliyu Ahmed

WON

APC · Sokoto

Nigerian politician Ahmad Aliyu, born in Sokoto State, served as Deputy Governor before becoming Governor, with a background in finance and administration, and earned a PhD in Business Administration in 2023.

454K
Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri

Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri

WON

PDP · Adamawa

Nigerian politician and twice-governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, won the 2023 election with 430,861 votes, leaving the PDP to join the APC in 2026 despite controversies over high aide appointments.

1 news story

431K
IN

Idris Nasir

WON

APC · Kebbi

Mohammed Nasir Idris, a Kebbi State politician, won the 2023 gubernatorial election, serving as the current governor with a background in education, unionism, and leadership in NUT and NLC.

27 news stories

409K
Lawal Dauda

Lawal Dauda

WON

PDP · Zamfara

Dauda Lawal, a banker and PDP candidate, won Zamfara State governorship election in 2023 with 377,726 votes, defeating incumbent Bello Matawalle, marking PDP’s first win in the state since 1999.

48 news stories · 1 policy

378K
OO

Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwedor

WON

PDP · Delta

Politician and former Delta State Speaker Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, born in 1963, won the 2023 gubernatorial election but later defected to APC in 2025, becoming the APC’s candidate for 2027 elections in Delta State.

16 news stories

360K
EB

Eno Umo Bassey

WON

PDP · Akwa Ibom

Umo Bassey Eno, a Christian clergyman and politician from Akwa Ibom State, became Governor after winning the election, previously serving as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources and founding All Nations Christian Ministry International.

18 news stories

354K
SA

Sule Audu Alhaji

WON

APC · Nasarawa

Sule Audu Alhaji is a Nigerian politician who holds an RCM, PRIMARY, SCHOOL, ZANG, SEC., COMMERCIAL, BUKURU, INDIANA, STATE, UNITERRE, HAUTE., and USA.

20 news stories

347K
Yahaya Mohammed Inuwa

Yahaya Mohammed Inuwa

WON

APC · Gombe

Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, a Hausa Muslim politician from Gombe State, is a former businessman and governor of Gombe State (APC) with a second-term victory in 2026, holding professional qualifications and a family rooted in Gombe.

20 news stories

343K
Buni Mai Mala

Buni Mai Mala

WON

APC · Yobe

Mai Mala Buni, a Kanuri Muslim from Yobe State, is a former APC national secretary and Yobe’s fourth governor (2019–present), known for his governance in education, IDP rehabilitation, and infrastructure development, including housing and healthcare improvements.

40 news stories · 5 policies

317K
Fubara Siminalayi

Fubara Siminalayi

WON

PDP · Rivers

Siminalayi Fubara, a Rivers State politician, won the 2023 governorship election with 302,614 votes but faced suspension in 2025 due to political instability, legal challenges, and allegations of corruption, later reinstated and defecting to APC.

25 news stories

303K
Abiodun Adedapo Oluseun

Abiodun Adedapo Oluseun

WON

APC · Ogun

Abiodun Adedapo Oluseun, a businessman and politician from Ogun State, has been Governor since 2019, known for his business ventures and political career spanning from the 1990s.

18 news stories · 1 policy

276K
Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman

Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman

WON

APC · Kwara

Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, a Kwara APC politician, won the 2023 governorship election with 273,424 votes, serving as Kwara’s governor since 2019 and chairing the Nigeria Governors' Forum.

22 news stories

273K
Otu Bassey Edet

Otu Bassey Edet

WON

APC · Cross River

CrossRiver politician Bassey Edet Otu, known as Sweet Prince, is a former Senator and House of Representatives member who served as Governor of Cross River State and is known for his roles in petroleum, finance, and health policy.

26 news stories

259K
KA

Kefas Agbu

WON

PDP · Taraba

Retired Nigerian Army Lieutenant Colonel Agbu Kefas, born in Wukari, Taraba, is a Christian politician who served as Governor of Taraba State (2023–present) after winning the PDP primary and gubernatorial elections, though he later defected to APC in 2026.

31 news stories

258K
Nwifuru Francis Ogbonna

Nwifuru Francis Ogbonna

WON

APC · Ebonyi

Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, a businessman-turned-politician, is the Ebonyi State Governor (APC) since 2023, previously serving as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly (2015–2023) and a two-time legislator (2011–2023). Born in 1975, he transitioned from PDP to APC, won the 2023 election with 199,131 votes, and holds a master’s in Supply Chain Management.

23 news stories

199K
Otti Alex Chioma

Otti Alex Chioma

WON

LP · Abia

Economist-turned-politician Alexander Chioma Otti, a former Diamond Bank CEO, won Abia State governorship elections in 2023 as a Labour Party candidate, defeating rivals and holding honorary degrees from prestigious Nigerian and international institutions.

21 news stories

175K
Mbah Peter Ndubuisi

Mbah Peter Ndubuisi

WON

PDP · Enugu

Maritime lawyer and businessman Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a PDP candidate from Enugu, won Enugu State’s 2023 gubernatorial election, became Governor in 2023, and later joined APC in 2025 after defecting from PDP.

26 news stories

161K
Gawuna Nasiru Yusuf

Gawuna Nasiru Yusuf

Lost

APC · Kano

Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, a biochemist and politician, served as Deputy Governor of Kano State and later ran as the APC candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial election, resigning from his agriculture commissionership to qualify.

22 news stories

891K
MI

Mohammed Ashiru Isa

Lost

PDP · Kaduna

Mohammed Ashiru Isa, a PDP candidate from Kaduna State, lost the 2023 gubernatorial election, securing 719,196 votes. A former House of Representatives member and Sarkin Bai of Zazzau Emirate, he holds a master's in Public Policy and has a long political career with multiple legislative and administrative roles.

2 news stories

719K
GL

Garba Yakubu Lado

Lost

PDP · Katsina

Garba Yakubu Lado, a PDP candidate from Katsina, ran for Katsina State governorship in 2023 but lost with 486,620 votes and Aminu Yar’adua Ahmed as his running mate.

487K
GY

Goshwe Nentawe Yilwatda

Lost

APC · Plateau

Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a prominent Nigerian politician, engineer, and academic who has held key positions such as National Chairman of the APC, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, and ICT Director at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

20 news stories

481K
Abubakar Sadique Baba

Abubakar Sadique Baba

Lost

APC · Bauchi

Abubakar Sadique Baba, an APC candidate from Bauchi, ran for governorship in 2023 but lost with 432,272 votes and Musa Shehu Aliyu as his running mate.

18 news stories

432K
US

Umar Saidu

Lost

PDP · Sokoto

Saidu Umar Kumo, a former Nigerian Senator and politician, was expelled from ANPP, accused of anti-party activities, and died from COVID-19 in 2020 despite past roles in national politics and a controversial election allegation in Gombe State.

19 news stories

405K
Dahiru Ahmed Aishatu

Dahiru Ahmed Aishatu

Lost

APC · Adamawa

Aisha Binani, a former Senator for Adamawa Central (APC), is a Nigerian politician and engineer with a background in politics, education, and entrepreneurship, known for her initiatives in education and development. She lost the 2023 gubernatorial election in Adamawa State to Ahmadu Fintiri.

399K
LK

Liman Isah Kantigi

Lost

PDP · Niger

Liman Isah Kantigi, a PDP-affiliated candidate from Niger State, ran for governorship in Niger in 2023 but lost the election, receiving 387,476 votes alongside running mate Gwomna Samuel.

387K
LS

Lamido Mustapha Sule

Lost

PDP · Jigawa

Nigerian politician Lamido Sule, a PDP member from Jigawa, served as governor (2007–2015) and Foreign Minister (1999–2003), but faced corruption allegations and lost the 2026 presidential bid with 368,726 votes to Atiku Abubakar.

23 news stories · 2 policies

369K
BA

Bande Aminu

Lost

PDP · Kebbi

Bande Aminu, a PDP candidate from Kebbi, competed in the 2023 governorship election but lost, receiving 360,940 votes and a running mate named Salihu Bui Samaila.

16 news stories

361K
Rhodes-Vivour Gbadebo Patrick

Rhodes-Vivour Gbadebo Patrick

Lost

LP · Lagos

Nigerian architect and politician Gbadebo Patrick Rhodes-Vivour, a Labour Party candidate, lost the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial election and has a background in architecture, activism, and entrepreneurship, including advocacy against GMOs and leadership roles in civil society and politics.

4 news stories

312K
BM

Bello Mohammed Matawalle Maradun

Lost

APC · Zamfara

Bello Mohammed Matawalle Maradun, an APC candidate from Zamfara, ran for governorship in 2023 but lost the election with 311,976 votes and Mohammed Gusau Hassan as his running mate.

312K
EO

Emmanuel David Ombugadu

Lost

PDP · Nasarawa

Nigerian politician Emmanuel Ombugadu, born in 1978, ran unsuccessfully for Nasarawa State Governor in 2019 and 2023 as a PDP candidate, previously serving as a House of Representatives member and holding key committee roles.

283K
Folarin Kolawole Teslim

Folarin Kolawole Teslim

Lost

APC · Oyo

Nigerian politician Teslim Kolawole Folarin, a former APC gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, lost to Seyi Makinde in 2023. He previously served as a senator (2003–2011, 2019–2023) and held leadership roles in the Senate, including as Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the Local Content Committee.

257K
OA

Omo - Agege Ovie Augustine

Lost

APC · Delta

Ovie Augustine Omo-Agege, an LL.B holder from WASC University of Benin, ran as an APC candidate in the 2023 Delta State governorship election but lost with 240,229 votes.

240K
Jibrin Muhammad Barde

Jibrin Muhammad Barde

Lost

PDP · Gombe

Jibrin Muhammad Barde, a PDP candidate from Gombe, ran for governorship in 2023 but lost with 233,131 votes and supported Danlele Timothy A. as his running mate.

233K
UT

Uba Tyoapine Titus

Lost

PDP · Benue

Titus Uba, a native of Akehe, Ute, Vandeikya LGA, Benue State, is a former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly (since 2018) with a background in mechanical engineering education.

224K
OO

Onor Sandy Ojang

Lost

PDP · Cross River

Nigerian politician, historian, and philanthropist Sandy Ojang Onor (PDP) served as Senator for Cross River Central (2019–2023), with academic and administrative experience in Cross River State.

13 news stories

180K
EJ

Edeoga Chijioke Jonathan

Lost

LP · Enugu

Edeoga Chijioke Jonathan, a Labour Party candidate from Enugu, ran for Enugu State governorship in 2023 but lost with 157,578 votes.

13 news stories

158K
AY

Abdullahi Shuaibu Yaman

Lost

PDP · Kwara

Abdullahi Shuaibu Yaman, a PDP candidate from Kwara, ran for governorship in 2023 but lost the election with 155,490 votes and Makanjuola Gbenga Peter as his running mate.

8 news stories

155K
BE

Bwacha Emmanuel

Lost

APC · Taraba

Former Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, born in Donga, Taraba, served in PDP before transitioning to APC as a gubernatorial candidate in Taraba State.

16 news stories

143K
Akpan Albert Bassey

Akpan Albert Bassey

Lost

YPP · Akwa Ibom

Albert Akpan, a YPP politician from Akwa Ibom, served as a Senator (2015–2023) and former Finance Commissioner, known for boosting Akwa Ibom’s IGR and leading legislative committees on gas and petroleum. His career includes banking, public service, and philanthropy, though controversies over corruption and bribery persist.

13 news stories · 3 policies

136K

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