Benue 2027: Full list of 12 governorship candidates released by INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election in Benue State, featuring 12 candidates representing different political parties.

The list contains the names of the governorship candidates and their running mates, alongside details such as age, gender and educational qualifications. Governor Hyacinth Alia is listed as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is represented by Michael Kaase Aondoakaa.

Below is the full list of candidates as contained in the INEC document.

1. Herman Iorwase Hembe — ADC

Herman Iorwase Hembe is the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The INEC list identifies him as 51 years old and lists Abba John Abba as his running mate. His educational qualifications include a primary leaving certificate, WAEC and a Bachelor of Laws degree.

2. Nyibiam Kwaghshir — ADP

Nyibiam Kwaghshir is the candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP). He is listed as 44 years old, with Abu Adanu as his deputy governorship candidate. According to the INEC document, Kwaghshir’s qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, WAEC and a Bachelor of Science degree.

3. Hyacinth Iormem Alia — APC

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia is listed as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The 60-year-old governor will run alongside Samuel Ode, who is listed as his deputy governorship candidate. Alia’s inclusion on the final list comes amid controversy surrounding the Benue APC and political disagreements ahead of the 2027 elections. His listed qualifications include a First School Leaving Certificate, General Certificate of Education and a doctorate in healthcare ethics.

4. Adagba D. Iorhen — APM

Adagba D. Iorhen is the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The INEC document lists him as 37 years old, with Alade Ojonugwa Martha as his running mate. His listed qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, SSCE and a Bachelor of Science degree.

5. Ujah Mercy Engole — APP

Ujah Mercy Engole is the candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP). At 43, she is one of the candidates seeking the state’s highest political office in the 2027 election. The INEC list names Gwanger Samuel Kavenen as her running mate and records her qualifications as NECO and a Bachelor of Science degree.

6. Ochenehi Dominic — DLA

Ochenehi Dominic is the governorship candidate of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA). He is listed as 44 years old, with Omeji Ochoechi as his deputy governorship candidate. His listed qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, SSCE and a Bachelor of Science degree.

7. Byuan Mathias Terwase — LP

Byuan Mathias Terwase is the candidate of the Labour Party (LP). The INEC list gives his age as 51 and names Obetta Juliana as his running mate. His listed educational qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate and WAEC.

8. Shija Terhemba — NDC

Shija Terhemba is the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He is listed as 65 years old, with Edoh Raymond as his deputy governorship candidate. According to the document, his qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, SSCE and a Bachelor of Science degree.

9. Wombo Terese Paul — NRM

Wombo Terese Paul is listed as the candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM). The INEC document records the candidate’s age as 35 and names Ogbu Pius Ogbu as the running mate. The listed qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, SSCE and a Bachelor of Science degree.

10. Michael Kaase Aondoakaa — PDP

Michael Kaase Aondoakaa is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is listed as 64 years old, with Ogbenjuwa Oyije as his running mate. His listed qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, WASC and an LL.B degree.

11. Roseline Ada Chenge — PRP

Roseline Ada Chenge is the candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). The INEC list gives her age as 55 and names Emmanuel Gwaza as her deputy governorship candidate. Her listed qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, SSCE and a Bachelor of Science degree.

12. Simon Ocheme Ogbe — ZLP

Simon Ocheme Ogbe is the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). He is listed as 35 years old, with Robert Gboko as his running mate. The INEC document records his qualifications as SSCE and the National Certificate in Education (NCE).

What the INEC List Shows

The final list features 12 governorship candidates from 12 political parties, setting out the names of the contenders and their running mates ahead of the February 6, 2027 election.

The list establishes the candidates officially recorded in the document but does not provide details of their campaign manifestos, policy priorities or electoral strategies. Those issues will form part of the political contest as the candidates seek the support of Benue voters.