Full List of State Governors in Nigeria & Political Parties (2024)

In this post, we will list out the names of current state governors in Nigeria and their political parties. There are over 35 state governors in Nigeria excluding Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is currently under the Presidency. The Nigerian President, appoints a minister for Abuja, who serves as its governor. The difference between a Nigerian state governor and a minister is this – a governor is elected as is the number one citizen of his state while a minister is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Senate.

WHAT IS A GOVERNOR?

A governor is the head of the executive branch of a state government in countries like the United States and even in Nigeria. The governor also known as the Chief Security Officer of the state is responsible for carrying out the laws of the state and overseeing the state government.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A GOVERNOR?

The responsibilities of the current state governors is the same across all board in Nigeria. Their roles as entrenched in the 1999 constitution include:

• Appointing state officials
• Vetoing or signing bills passed by the state legislature
• Developing and implementing the state budget
• Overseeing the state’s police and other law enforcement agencies
• Managing the state’s natural resources
• Promoting economic development
• Representing the state at national and international events

HOW ARE GOVERNORS ELECTED IN NIGERIA?

Governors in Nigeria are elected by the people of their state to a four-year term. To be eligible to run for governor, a candidate must be a citizen of Nigeria, at least 35 years old, and have a minimum educational qualification of a West African School Certificate (WASC) or its equivalent.

If the person wins and he or she is elected, below is the oath of office of the governors’ office he must abide by

OATH OF OFFICE OF GOVERNOR OF A STATE

“I do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that as the Governor of ……. State, I will discharge my duty to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will exercise the authority vested in me as Governor so as not to impede or prejudice the authority lawfully vested in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and so as not to endanger the continuance of Federal Government in Nigeria; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the Fifty Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favor, affection or ill-will; that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as Governor of ……… State, except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as Governor; and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria. So help me God.”

WHAT IS THE CURRENT POLITICAL LANDSCAPE IN NIGERIA?

According to The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official website, Nigeria, being a multi-party democracy has 19 registered political parties that can contest during an election. There are also two major political parties: the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The APC is currently the ruling party at the federal level, while the PDP controls most state governments.

The current political landscape in Nigeria is characterized by a number of challenges. They include: Corruption, Poverty, Inequality, Insecurity, Ethnic and religious tensions.

LIST OF CURRENT 36 STATE GOVERNORS IN NIGERIA AND THEIR POLITICAL PARTIES

In Nigeria, the current party affiliations of the current 36 state governors are:

• 20 All Progressive Congress (APC)
• 13 People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
• 1 All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
• 1 Labour Party (LP)
• 1 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)

Here are the names of the current state governors in Nigeria and their political parties this 2023.