As the 2027 general elections approach, at least 10 Nigerian states are entering a high-stakes succession season, with outgoing governors completing their final terms and a new generation of political actors positioning to take over.
Governors in their last constitutional term include:
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos)
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Dapo Abiodun (Ogun)
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Seyi Makinde (Oyo)
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Bala Mohammed (Bauchi)
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Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)
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Babagana Zulum (Borno)
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Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa)
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Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe)
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Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa)
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AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara)
The unfolding contests feature crowded fields, intra-party rivalries, zoning disputes, and the outsized influence of incumbents. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, with gubernatorial elections following February 6, 2027.
LAGOS STATE
Lagos politics continues to revolve around the APC, with internal competition dominating the narrative.
Declared APC aspirants include:
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Jide Adediran (Jandor) – Former PDP candidate, “Lagos for Lagos” slogan
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Samuel Ajose (SMA) – Strong support from Badagry zone
Other potential contenders under speculation:
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Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode
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House Speaker Mudasiru Obasa
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Minister of Education Tunji Alausa
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Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila
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Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat
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President’s son Seyi Tinubu
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Senator Tokunbo Abiru
Analysts note: Zoning may not be decisive; presidential influence is expected to play the key role in selecting the APC candidate. Opposition parties remain fragmented, with PDP and Labour Party struggling to mount a credible challenge.
OYO STATE
With Governor Seyi Makinde completing his term, the PDP faces internal fractures, while the APC seeks to consolidate support.
Notable PDP aspirants:
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Dr Nureni Adeniran – Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board
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Adebo Ogundoyin – House Speaker
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Segun Ogunwuyi – Governor’s Chief of Staff
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Debo Akande – Agribusiness and international cooperation adviser
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Bimbo Adekanmbi – Former commissioner, Ona Ara LGA
APC contenders:
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Adebayo Adelabu – Minister of Power
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Teslim Folarin – 2023 governorship candidate
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Senators Sharafadeen Ali (Oyo South) and Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North)
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Former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan
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Others: Kunle Busari (Eruobodo), Akeem Agbaje, Adebayo Shittu
Key dynamics: Religious and regional considerations, with debates over a Christian or Muslim successor, alongside zoning demands from Ibadan, Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso, and Ibarapa zones. Over 30 aspirants are expected across parties including APC, PDP, SDP, ADC, LP, NNPP, and AA.
NASARAWA STATE
Outgoing Governor Abdullahi Sule faces zoning debates, with Kwara North agitating for the governorship.
APC aspirants include:
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Danladi Halilu Evulanza, Julius Ojo Eggon, Shehu Tukur, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, Dr Kabir El-Bashir, Prof Mohammed Sani Haruna, Dr Tanimu Adabson
PDP challenges: Loss of key members like David Ombugadu to APC weakens the party, with internal restructuring underway. Zoning remains a crucial factor.
BAUCHI STATE
Governor Bala Mohammed’s political future is under speculation, with the APC field attracting several aspirants:
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Prof Ali Pate – Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare
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Yusuf Tuggar – Minister of Foreign Affairs
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Shehu Buba – Senator, Bauchi South
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Bala Wunti – Former NNPC official
Zoning favors Bauchi South and Central senatorial districts, historically dominating the governorship.
OGUN STATE
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s successor is widely expected from Ogun West, which has yet to produce a governor.
APC frontrunners:
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Solomon Adeola (Yayi) – Senator, Ogun West
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Gboyega Nasir Isiaka – House of Representatives, Imeko-Afon/Yewa North
PDP challengers:
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Oladipupo Adebutu – 2023 governorship candidate
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Party remains fragmented but aims to consolidate support.
YOBE STATE
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s succession sees a dominant APC field and a struggling opposition.
Speculated aspirants:
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Ahmad Lawan – Former Senate President
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Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai – Yobe South
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Senator Musa Mustapha – Yobe East
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Kashim Musa Tumsah, Lawan Kolo Geidam – Youth-focused candidates
The APC maintains strong influence, while ADC and PDP attempt to gain traction.
KWARA STATE
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s succession is highly competitive.
APC aspirants:
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Lanre Issa-Onilu, Senator Lola Ashiru, Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, Amb Yahaya Seriki, Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, Prof Wale Sulaiman, Senator Sadiq Umar
PDP aspirants:
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Omar Bolaji Gambari, Prof Ali Ahmad, Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu
ADC contender: Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia
Additional considerations: Calls for a Christian governor, with advocacy from the Coalition of Concerned Kwara Christian Stakeholders citing justice, unity, and balance.
OTHER STATES
Gombe: Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s influence dominates APC succession; Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Usman Bello Kumo, and Isa Ali Pantami are notable aspirants. Opposition is weak.
Adamawa: Political recalibration after defections of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (ADC) and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (APC). Key aspirants from APC, PDP, ADC, and SDP are emerging, with minimal zoning constraints.
Analysis: Across these states, 2027 succession contests reflect a mix of political ambition, zoning debates, party cohesion, incumbency influence, and ethnic-religious considerations. In most states, APC dominance remains a key factor, while opposition parties face rebuilding challenges.
