Nigeria operates a federal system of government with 36 states, each led by a democratically elected governor and deputy governor. These leaders are elected for a 4-year term, renewable once, and they play a vital role in managing state affairs including education, security, health, infrastructure, and economic development.
Here’s the official 2025 list of all 36 Nigerian state governors and their deputy governors, including their political affiliations.
Complete List of Governors and Their Deputies (2025)
| State | Governor | Deputy Governor | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abia | Alex Otti | Ikechukwu Emetu | Labour Party (LP) |
| Adamawa | Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri | Kaletapwa Farauta | Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) |
| Akwa Ibom | Umo Eno | Akon Eyakenyi | PDP |
| Anambra | Charles Soludo | Onyeka Ibezim | All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) |
| Bauchi | Bala Mohammed | Auwal Jatau | PDP |
| Bayelsa | Douye Diri | Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo | PDP |
| Benue | Hyacinth Alia | Samuel Ode | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Borno | Babagana Zulum | Umar Usman Kadafur | APC |
| Cross River | Bassey Otu | Peter Odey | APC |
| Delta | Sheriff Oborevwori | Monday Onyeme | PDP |
| Ebonyi | Francis Nwifuru | Patricia Obila | APC |
| Edo | Monday Okpebholo | Dennis Idahosa | APC |
| Ekiti | Biodun Oyebanji | Monisade Afuye | APC |
| Enugu | Peter Mbah | Ifeanyi Ossai | PDP |
| Gombe | Inuwa Yahaya | Manasseh Jatau | APC |
| Imo | Hope Uzodinma | Chinyere Ekomaru | APC |
| Jigawa | Umar Namadi | Aminu Usman | APC |
| Kaduna | Uba Sani | Hadiza Balarabe | APC |
| Kano | Abba Kabir Yusuf | Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo | New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) |
| Katsina | Dikko Umaru Radda | Faruk Lawal Jobe | APC |
| Kebbi | Nasir Idris | Abubakar Umar Argungu | APC |
| Kogi | Ahmed Usman Ododo | Salifu Joel | APC |
| Kwara | AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq | Kayode Alabi | APC |
| Lagos | Babajide Sanwo‑Olu | Obafemi Hamzat | APC |
| Nasarawa | Abdullahi Sule | Emmanuel Akabe | APC |
| Niger | Umar Bago | Yakubu Garba | APC |
| Ogun | Dapo Abiodun | Noimot Salako-Oyedele | APC |
| Ondo | Lucky Aiyedatiwa | Olayide Adelami | APC |
| Osun | Ademola Adeleke | Kola Adewusi | PDP |
| Oyo | Seyi Makinde | Bayo Lawal | PDP |
| Plateau | Caleb Mutfwang | Josephine Piyo | PDP |
| Rivers | Siminalayi Fubara | Ngozi Odu | PDP |
| Sokoto | Ahmad Aliyu | Idris Muhammad Gobir | APC |
| Taraba | Agbu Kefas | Aminu Abdullahi Alkali | PDP |
| Yobe | Mai Mala Buni | Idi Barde Gubana | APC |
| Zamfara | Dauda Lawal | Mani Mummuni | PDP |
Insights on Political Party Distribution in 2025
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APC (All Progressives Congress) controls 20 states, dominating mostly in the North and Southwest.
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PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) controls 13 states, with strongholds in the South-South and Southeast.
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LP (Labour Party) controls 1 state — Abia, under Gov. Alex Otti.
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NNPP (New Nigeria Peoples Party) holds 1 state — Kano.
These political arrangements heavily influence federal dynamics and national policymaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ How long is a governor’s term in Nigeria?
A governor serves for 4 years, and can run for a second term, totaling a maximum of 8 years.
❓ Who appoints the deputy governor?
The deputy governor is selected by the gubernatorial candidate and runs on the same ticket during elections.
❓ Can a deputy governor become a governor?
Yes. If the governor resigns, dies, or is impeached, the deputy governor automatically assumes office as per constitutional rules.
❓ Do FCT (Abuja) residents vote for a governor?
No. The Federal Capital Territory is administered by a Minister appointed by the President.
❓ Which party controls the most states in Nigeria in 2025?
The All Progressives Congress (APC) currently controls the highest number of states (20 out of 36).
Conclusion
Understanding who governs each Nigerian state is important for political awareness and civic engagement. From infrastructure to education, security, and healthcare, state governors and their deputies shape policies that affect everyday life.
As of 2025, Nigeria continues to experience a vibrant political climate with governors from APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP playing critical roles in national development.
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