The 2027 Enugu governorship race is set for a crowded contest, with Governor Peter Mbah facing 14 other candidates seeking control of the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission displayed the list of candidates at its Enugu State headquarters on Monday.

The document contains the credentials of 15 candidates cleared to contest the governorship election.

Mbah, the incumbent governor, is seeking another term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

His challengers include Chief Uchenna Nnaji of the Peoples Democratic Party and Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The African Democratic Congress is fielding Chief Obodoeze Ocho, while Edwin Alor will contest for Accord.

Prof. Jehu Nnaji is the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, while Okwudilichukwu Ugwu will represent the Labour Party.

Nnamdi Ugwu is contesting under the Democratic Leadership Alliance.

Other candidates include Anthony Udeani of the Young Progressives Party and Afamefuna Ani of the Action Peoples Party.

Elvis Ugwoke is the Zenith Labour Party candidate, while Friday Iloka is flying the flag of the Social Democratic Party.

The remaining candidates are Nnamdi Omeje of the Action Democratic Party, Ken Ikeh of the Allied Peoples Movement and Chief Obioma Nnamani of the Because Of Our Tomorrow Party.

With the 15 candidates now formally listed, the Enugu governorship race is expected to attract increasing political activity as parties intensify their mobilisation ahead of the election.

Candidates and their supporters are already reaching out to political stakeholders, community leaders and influential groups across the state.

For Mbah, his campaign is expected to place considerable emphasis on projects and programmes undertaken by his administration since assuming office.

The governor’s camp is likely to highlight infrastructure development and social interventions as part of its case for a second term, particularly projects it considers verifiable and beneficial to residents.

The opposition candidates, meanwhile, will seek to use the election to challenge the incumbent and present alternative visions for the state’s future.

The number of candidates means votes could be spread across several political platforms, adding another layer of competition to the contest.

As political activities gather momentum, the Enugu governorship race is expected to become increasingly competitive, with Mbah defending his record while 14 challengers attempt to unseat him in 2027.