| Name | Title | Assumed office | Left office | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ndubuisi Kanu | Governor | Mar 1976 | 1977 | Military |
| Adekunle Lawal | Governor | 1977 | Jul 1978 | Military |
| Sunday Ajibade Adenihun | Governor | Jul 1978 | Oct 1979 | Military |
| Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe | Governor | 1 Oct 1979 | 31 Dec 1983 | NPP |
| Ike Nwachukwu | Governor | Jan 1984 | Aug 1985 | Military |
| Allison Amakoduna Madueke | Governor | Aug 1985 | 1986 | Military |
| Amadi Ikwechegh | Governor | 1986 | 1990 | Military |
| Anthony E. Oguguo | Governor | Aug 1990 | Jan 1992 | Military |
| Evan Enwerem | Governor | Jan 1992 | Nov 1993 | NRC |
| James N.J. Aneke | Administrator | 9 Dec 1993 | 22 Aug 1996 | Military |
| Tanko Zubairu | Administrator | 22 Aug 1996 | May 1999 | Military |
| Achike Udenwa | Governor | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
| Ikedi G. Ohakim[ | Governor | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2011 | PPA / PDP |
| Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha | Governor | 29 May 2011 | 29 May 2019 | APC |
| Emeka Ihedioha | Governor | 29 May 2019 | 15 January 2020 | PDP |
| Hope Uzodinma | Governor | 15 January 2020 | Incumbent | APC |