In the 1979 general elections, 5 political parties were registered and contested for elections. The political parties and their presidential aspirants include:

National Party of Nigeria (NPN) -- Alh. Shehu Shagari

Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) -- Chief Obafemi Awolowo

Nigeria People's Party (NPP) -- Dr Nnamdi Azikwe

Great Nigeria's People's Party (GNPP) -- Ibrahim Waziri

People's Redemption Party (PRP) -- Mallam Aminu Kano