A growing political realignment is unfolding across Nigeria as several governors and former governors intensify moves to secure Senate seats ahead of the 2027 general elections, sparking tension within party structures and threatening the ambitions of incumbent lawmakers.
Many of the governors completing their second and final terms in office by May 2027 are reportedly using their influence within state party structures to emerge as consensus candidates for senatorial positions.
Among the governors linked to the Senate race are Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Hope Uzodimma, Dapo Abiodun and several others from both the ruling and opposition parties.
The development gained momentum after Bola Tinubu reportedly reaffirmed the powers of governors over party primaries and candidate selection in their respective states during meetings with lawmakers and APC governors.
Sources familiar with the discussions said some senators had sought automatic return tickets for the 2027 elections, but the President insisted that governors must retain significant influence in determining party candidates.
Across several states, political stakeholders have since moved to endorse outgoing governors or their preferred candidates as consensus choices, forcing some incumbent senators to withdraw their ambitions or reconsider their political future.
In Yobe State, Senator Musa Mustapha stepped aside to support Governor Mai Mala Buni’s alleged senatorial ambition, while in Gombe, former governor Danjuma Goje reportedly lost support for another Senate bid following a zoning arrangement backed by allies of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
In Imo State, political tension is rising as Governor Hope Uzodimma and former governor Rochas Okorocha prepare for a possible clash over the Orlu senatorial seat.
Ogun State is also witnessing internal division within the APC following Governor Dapo Abiodun’s interest in the Ogun East Senate seat, a move that has reportedly placed him at odds with Senator Gbenga Daniel.
Similar succession calculations are taking shape in Adamawa, Nasarawa, Borno, Kwara, Delta and Kogi states, where governors and former governors are being positioned for Senate contests through endorsements, consensus arrangements and political negotiations.
In Delta State, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa has reportedly accepted calls from political stakeholders to contest for a Senate seat, while former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello is also said to have secured backing for the Kogi Central senatorial race.
Meanwhile, former Cross River governor Ben Ayade revealed that he was asked to abandon his Senate ambition following consultations with party leaders, expressing frustration over what he described as political sidelining.
The wave of endorsements and consensus arrangements has continued to generate debate over internal democracy within political parties as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
