A major political realignment is already taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, as no fewer than 10 serving and former governors position themselves to replace incumbent senators across Nigeria.
With many second-term governors set to leave office by May 2027, several are now leveraging their influence over party structures in their states to secure senatorial tickets, mostly through consensus arrangements that are already causing tension within political camps.
Among the governors nearing the end of their constitutional two-term tenure are Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Makinde, Babagana Zulum, Abdullahi Sule, and Muhammadu Yahaya.
Investigations indicate that in many states, incumbent senators are either stepping aside, being pressured to withdraw, or finding themselves sidelined as governors and their preferred candidates tighten their grip on party structures.
In Yobe State, Senator Musa Mustapha has formally withdrawn from the APC senatorial race to back Governor Mai Mala Buni for the Yobe East seat. He described the move as one guided by loyalty and party unity.
In Gombe, former governor and current senator Danjuma Goje appears to have lost his bid for another term following a zoning arrangement said to favour retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed, a candidate believed to enjoy the backing of Governor Yahaya.
A similar scenario is playing out in Imo, where Governor Hope Uzodimma has emerged as the preferred consensus candidate for Imo West Senatorial District, despite interest from incumbent Senator Osita Izunaso and former governor Rochas Okorocha.
In Ogun State, political tensions are rising as Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Senate ambition has put him on a collision course with incumbent Senator Gbenga Daniel for the Ogun East seat.
Adamawa has also seen Governor Ahmadu Fintiri declared consensus candidate for Adamawa North, with the incumbent senator reportedly stepping aside to support him.
In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule has already submitted his nomination form for Nasarawa North after receiving strong backing from party stakeholders.
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Meanwhile, Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has picked up his nomination form for Kwara Central, with indications he may emerge unopposed.
Elsewhere, former governors are also joining the race.
In Delta State, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa is being positioned to challenge incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko for Delta North, while former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello has emerged as APC’s consensus candidate for Kogi Central.
In Cross River, former governor Ben Ayade revealed he had been asked to suspend his Senate ambition following consultations with President Bola Tinubu, a decision he says has left him deeply disappointed.
The wave of endorsements and consensus arrangements comes after President Bola Tinubu reportedly reaffirmed the powers of state governors to determine candidate selection processes in their states, effectively ending hopes by many incumbent lawmakers for automatic return tickets.
The development is reshaping political calculations nationwide and setting the stage for fierce internal party battles as 2027 approaches.
