The 2023 general elections in Nigeria were a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic journey. With 18 officially registered political parties participating, the elections featured a wide array of presidential candidates—commonly referred to as flag bearers—representing various ideologies, visions, and demographics.
This guide provides the full list of all registered political parties and their presidential candidates for the 2023 elections as recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Full List of Registered Political Parties & Presidential Candidates – Nigeria 2023 Elections
|
S/N |
Political Party |
Acronym |
Presidential Candidate (Flag Bearer) |
|
1 |
Accord |
A |
Christopher Imumolen |
|
2 |
Action Alliance |
AA |
Hamza Al-Mustapha |
|
3 |
African Action Congress |
AAC |
Omoyele Sowore |
|
4 |
Action Democratic Party |
ADP |
Yabagi Yusuf Sani |
|
5 |
Action Peoples Party |
APP |
Nnadi Charles Osita |
|
6 |
African Democratic Congress |
ADC |
Dumebi Kachikwu |
|
7 |
All Progressives Congress |
APC |
Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Winner of 2023 Election) |
|
8 |
All Progressives Grand Alliance |
APGA |
Peter Umeadi |
|
9 |
Allied Peoples Movement |
APM |
Chichi Ojei |
|
10 |
Boot Party |
BP |
Adenuga Sunday Oluwafemi |
|
11 |
Labour Party |
LP |
Peter Obi |
|
12 |
National Rescue Movement |
NRM |
Felix Johnson Osakwe |
|
13 |
New Nigeria Peoples Party |
NNPP |
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso |
|
14 |
Peoples Democratic Party |
PDP |
Atiku Abubakar |
|
15 |
Peoples Redemption Party |
PRP |
Kola Abiola |
|
16 |
Social Democratic Party |
SDP |
Adebayo Adewole |
|
17 |
Young Progressives Party |
YPP |
Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim |
|
18 |
Zenith Labour Party |
ZLP |
Dan Nwanyanwu |
Top 4 Presidential Candidates (By Popular Support and Media Coverage)
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC) – Former Governor of Lagos State, declared winner of the 2023 presidential election.
- Peter Obi (LP) – Former Governor of Anambra State, popular among youth and urban voters.
- Atiku Abubakar (PDP) – Former Vice President of Nigeria, major opposition leader.
- Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP) – Former Governor of Kano State, strong in the North-West.
Key Election Takeaways
- INEC registered 18 political parties for the 2023 elections.
- The election was conducted on February 25, 2023.
- Bola Tinubu of the APC emerged as the elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- The election marked one of Nigeria's most competitive four-way presidential races since 1999.
FAQs on Nigeria’s 2023 Elections
Q1: How many candidates contested in the 2023 presidential election?
A: 18 candidates—one from each registered political party.
Q2: Who won the 2023 presidential election?
A: Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Q3: Who were the major opposition candidates?
A: Peter Obi (LP), Atiku Abubakar (PDP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP).
Q4: Was voter turnout high in 2023?
A: Voter turnout was around 27%, lower than previous elections but reflective of logistical and security challenges.
Conclusion
The 2023 general elections showcased Nigeria’s political diversity and increasing civic engagement. With 18 parties fielding presidential candidates, voters had more choices than ever before. Whether you're studying electoral history or preparing for the 2027 cycle, this list gives you a clear picture of the contenders who shaped Nigeria’s political landscape in 2023.
