National Assembly Complex
By Frontline Reporters
No fewer than 10 state governors and former governors are positioning to unseat incumbent senators ahead of the 2027 general elections, in a sweeping political shift reshaping Nigeria’s legislative landscape.
Many of the governors, whose tenure ends in May 2027, are leveraging their dominance over party structures to secure Senate tickets through consensus arrangements, effectively sidelining sitting lawmakers.
At least 12 of Nigeria’s 36 governors are serving their final terms, with 10 set to complete their constitutionally mandated eight years by May 29, 2027. This transition is already triggering intense political recalibration across party lines.
Among those completing their tenure are AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), alongside Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Although Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Hope Uzodimma (Imo) will exit slightly later due to off-cycle elections, both are also actively involved in early Senate positioning.
The shift gained momentum after President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the authority of governors over candidate selection in their states, effectively dashing hopes of automatic tickets for incumbent federal lawmakers. Governors have since moved decisively to shape party primaries, often favouring consensus candidates aligned with their interests.
Across several states, this has resulted in a pattern where incumbents are pressured to withdraw, step aside, or face symbolic primaries.
In Yobe State, Senator Musa Mustapha stepped down to support Governor Mai Mala Buni’s senatorial ambition, pledging full loyalty to party leadership. Similarly, in Adamawa, Senator Amos Yohanna abandoned his re-election bid and backed Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, describing the move as a sacrifice for the greater good.
In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule has emerged as the consensus candidate for Nasarawa North, while in Kwara, Governor AbdulRazaq is widely expected to secure the senatorial ticket amid limited opposition.
In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma has been endorsed as the consensus candidate for Imo West, setting up a potential clash with former governor Rochas Okorocha, while incumbent Senator Osita Izunaso faces an uncertain future.
In Ogun, the situation has escalated into open conflict, with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Senate ambition putting him at odds with incumbent Senator Gbenga Daniel.
In Gombe, a zoning arrangement has effectively blocked Senator Danjuma Goje’s return bid, while in Delta, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa is being positioned to replace Senator Ned Nwoko, with strong backing from political stakeholders.
Elsewhere, former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello has secured the APC ticket for Kogi Central, while former Cross River governor Ben Ayade disclosed he was asked to step down from the race despite his ambition.
Analysts say the growing influence of governors over party structures is redefining Nigeria’s electoral dynamics, raising concerns about internal democracy while reinforcing the power of incumbency at the state level.
As the 2027 elections approach, the battle for Senate seats is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with governors emerging as the dominant power brokers in determining who makes it to the National Assembly.
ADVERTISEMENTS
