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Nigeria has 36 states that each elect a governor to serve as chief executive of the state government. The sole federal district, the Federal Capital Territory, is headed by a minister appointed by the president to oversee the administration. In the event of a vacancy, the governor is succeeded by the second-highest-ranking state official; the deputy governor.
As of 12 November 2024, there are 21 states with APC governors, 12 states with PDP governors, 1 state each with APGA, Labour and NNPP governors.
The current gubernatorial term ends and new term begins in May for most states, two to three months after their election. Governors are elected for a term of four years (maximum of two terms).
All 36 governors are members of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, a non-partisan organization which represents states in discussions with the federal government. Other organizations for governors include the partisan Progressive Governors Forum and PDP Governors Forum.
Eligibility
Citizen of Nigeria by birth, at least 35 years of age, is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party are eligible for the office of Governor. The constitution limits state governors to only two four-year terms in office.
Oath of office
The Constitution of Nigeria specifies an oath of office for the State Governors of Nigeria:
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.
— Constitution of Nigeria, Seventh Schedule
List of current state governors
See also
- States in Nigeria
- List of governors of former Nigerian states
- Nigeria Governors' Forum
- Progressive Governors Forum
- PDP Governors Forum
Notes
- David Lyon of the APC was originally elected Governor; however, a February 2020 Supreme Court judgement disqualified Lyon and awarded the win to the PDP's Douye Diri.
- Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP was originally elected Governor; however, a January 2020 Supreme Court judgement awarded the win to the APC's Hope Uzodinma after Ihedioha had governed for over seven months.
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa became Governor on 27 December 2023, following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
References
- "Supreme Court Sacks Lyon As Bayelsa Governor-Elect, Hours Before Inauguration". Channels TV. 13 February 2020. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- Adesomoju, Ade (14 January 2020). "Supreme Court voids Ihedioha's election, declares APC Uzodinma Imo governor". The Punch. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
Lists of States of Nigeria | |||
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