The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, with Allied People’s Movement [APM]’s Bimbo Adekanmbi, Accord Party’s Oriyomi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Sharafadeen Alli and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)‘s Hazeem Gbolarumi among 16 candidates listed for the race.

The list features candidates from 16 political parties, setting the stage for a multi-party contest ahead of the governorship election.

Other candidates on the list are Oladele Saheed of the African Action Congress (AAC); Adegoke Taofeek Adegboyega of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Olatunji Kunle James of the Action Democratic Party (ADP); Salami Gbolagade Tajudeen of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); and Adekanmbi Abimbola of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Also listed are Tijani Ismaila Akinboye of the Action Peoples Party (APP); Kareem Thompson Sola of the Labour Party (LP); Yusuf Akim Adebola of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Taiwo Ibiyemi Otegbeye of the National Democratic Party (NDP); and Afolabi Taofeek Ademola of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).

The remaining candidates are Yinusa Kazeem Ayandoye of the Peoples’ Redemption Party (PRP); Adeyemi Idowu Adedeji of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Azzan Waheed Olanrewaju of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The publication of the list came as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 election, with the contest expected to feature debates on governance, security, economic development, infrastructure and public services in Oyo State.

Hamzat, reacting to his inclusion on the list, urged his supporters and party members to remain united, increase engagement with voters and pursue their political objectives through lawful, peaceful and democratic means.

He described the development as an important moment in the dispute surrounding Accord’s governorship ticket, while warning supporters that the listing was not the end of the political process.

“This is not the finish line; it is the beginning of a more demanding journey,” he said.

The candidates are expected to seek support across the state as the political parties advance their campaigns ahead of the governorship election.