Nigeria’s political terrain is shifting rapidly ahead of the 2027 general elections as several outgoing governors under the All Progressives Congress position themselves for Senate seats after completing their second terms.
Out of eight APC governors expected to leave office in May 2027, five have already declared interest in legislative office, submitting nomination forms ahead of the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for May 18.
The aspirants include Governors Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
The moves signal an emerging trend where powerful state executives are seeking to extend their political influence at the federal legislative level rather than exit public life entirely.
In Adamawa, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri appears to have secured early backing after Senator Amos Yohanna withdrew from the senatorial race in his favour. Yohanna said his decision followed consultations with stakeholders, describing it as a collective move aimed at strengthening representation for the constituency.
A similar pattern is playing out in Yobe State, where Governor Mai Mala Buni is expected to face little resistance after Senator Musa Mustapha stepped aside and endorsed his bid for the Yobe East Senate seat.
However, the race is not smooth across all states.
In Ogun East, a high-stakes political contest is brewing between Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel, who is currently occupying the senatorial seat. Despite growing endorsements for Abiodun within some local party structures, Daniel has signalled he is not ready to relinquish the position.
The unfolding developments highlight deepening internal negotiations within the APC as influential figures reposition themselves for relevance beyond their governorship tenure.
Analysts say the wave of gubernatorial interest in Senate seats reflects a broader strategy by outgoing governors to maintain political influence, legislative leverage, and visibility ahead of the next national cycle.
As the primaries approach, attention is now shifting to how the party manages internal competition between sitting senators and incoming heavyweights, a contest that could shape the APC’s internal balance ahead of 2027.
