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Summary: In this article, Naija Feminists Media spotlighted political leaders who contested and secured their parties’ tickets, emerging as their sole flag-bearers.
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, several political parties have begun conducting primary elections across different states for key positions, including governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and state assembly seats, as aspirants seek to secure their parties’ nominations ahead of the polls.
The 2027 general elections, which will determine Nigeria’s next set of leaders at both the federal and state levels, are expected to take place between Saturday, January 16, 2027 to Saturday, February 6, 2027, according to the electoral cycle established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ahead of the elections, here are six politicians who have won primary elections in their respective parties.
- Damilola Ayinde Marshall
Barrister Damilola Ayinde-Marshall is a Nigerian lawyer, public official, and politician. She is the current Senior Special Assistant on Tourism, Arts, and Culture to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Damilola emerged victorious as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag-bearer ticket for the Surulere Constituency II seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections. Under the slogan “Youth Lokan” (It is the turn of the youth), the politician’s campaign centred on youth inclusion, empowerment, tech integration, education, and vocational training. She is widely recognised as a vocal advocate for youth inclusion and female representation in Nigerian politics.
As a legal practitioner, Damilola had her LLB degree from Houdegbe North American University in Cotonou, Benin Republic. She attended the Nigerian Law School as part of the Abuja campus for Bar Part 1 and the Lagos campus for Bar Part 2 and was subsequently called to the Bar on December 15, 2015. She obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2022.
Prior to her appointment as SSA to the governor, the barrister spent over 12 years in active legal practice. She built and managed her own firm, Damilola Ayinde Marshal & Company, acting as Principal Partner and overseeing diverse portfolios in Property Law, Criminal Defence, family law and Corporate Governance.
- Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare
Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare is a Nigerian lawyer, politician, and the former Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the politician defeated actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot to become the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere Constituency I for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Barrister Barakat obtained her LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) and LL.M (Master of Laws) in International Commercial Law from the University of Bedfordshire, UK. She finalised her qualifications at the Nigerian Law School, making her a dual-qualified barrister licensed to practice law both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. With her law degree, the lawyer has successfully built over 12 years of professional experience defending clients and providing public policy advocacy before transitioning fully into executive governance.
Her political journey began when she was elected as the council of ward E1 (Akinhanmi-Cole) in 2017. She later became the Leader of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Assembly, serving from 2018 until 2023 and facilitating the passage of over 27 local bylaws. Historically, her appointment as the Special Adviser on Housing to the Governor in 2023 made her the youngest member of the Lagos State Executive Council cabinet. Her campaign represents a push for renewed, inclusive legislative leadership and grassroots development in Surulere.
- Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu
Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu is a Nigerian journalist and politician who currently serves as a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly. Ahead of the 2027 general election, the politician won the APC re-election primary on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Her re-election campaign is centred around the slogan #ResultsNotPromises, and her manifesto includes: energy reform and rural electrification, sustainable infrastructure, grassroots economic empowerment, education and youth support, institutional accountability, strengthening local public institutions, enforcing child rights protections, and promoting government transparency.
In 2023, Rukayat gained national recognition as the youngest lawmaker in the country at age 26. The lawmaker represents the Owode/Onire Constituency in the Asa Local Government Area under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hon. Rukayat earned a diploma in Mass Communication and Islamic Studies from the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS) in 2015. She later graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2022. Before entering mainstream politics, she worked as an online journalist and held the role of Head of the News Department at Just Event Online Publication from 2020 to 2022.
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is the incumbent lawmaker representing Kogi Central and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer for the Kogi Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections. Her ticket was confirmed on Thursday, May 21, 2026, across the district’s 57 wards.
As a legal practitioner, the lawmaker earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Abuja (2000–2004), was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005, and obtained her Master of Laws degree in Petroleum Law and Policy from the University of Dundee, Scotland. She also secured an MBA in Oil and Gas Management from the University of Dundee in 2012 and completed a Social Entrepreneurship Programme at INSEAD in Singapore in 2016.
In 2018, she presented an investigative exposé on systemic embezzlement at the mill to the National Assembly, earning her national prominence as an activist. In 2023, she became the first elected female Senator from Kogi State, thus becoming a member of the 10th National Assembly.
Senator Natasha’s 2027 re-election campaign is centred on consolidation and continuity,
specifically focusing on a pledge to establish local factories in every local government area within her district. She aimed to secure a greater future for Kogi Central through what she defines as a people-driven legacy of service, empowerment, and inclusive development.
- Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe
Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe is a prominent Nigerian civil engineer and politician currently serving as the sole Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 10th National Assembly. In May 2026, she officially secured the ADC senatorial ticket for the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections, winning her primary election with 17,535 votes. Her 2027 campaign is a grand coalition of citizens fighting governance exclusion and economic hardship.
Notably, the lawmaker chairs the Senate Committee on Women’s Affairs. The lawmaker graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Before entering partisan politics, she worked strictly as a practising civil engineer and project consultant in both international public infrastructure units and private Nigerian firms.
In May 2026, she officially secured the ADC senatorial ticket for the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections, winning her primary election with 17,535 votes. Her 2027 campaign is a grand coalition of citizens fighting governance exclusion and economic hardship.
- Senator Stella Oduah
Senator Stella Oduah is a Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, and former Minister of Aviation. She officially became the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flag-bearer for the Anambra North Senatorial District on Monday, May 25, 2026. The former Minister earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, United States.
Her 2027 re-election campaign is marketed under the slogan “Omueze for Senate.” It centres on six main pillars, including infrastructure expansion, people-centred grassroots development, economic revitalisation, effective National Representation, and youth and women advancement.
