The release of the 2027 election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked early manoeuvring among politicians, with no fewer than 12 serving senators signalling their intention to contest governorship seats in their respective states.
Investigations by Tribune Politics show these lawmakers are intensifying grassroots mobilisation, empowerment programmes, and strategic consultations across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West zones. No clear indications have emerged yet of senators from the South-East or South-South eyeing governorships, though sources say it may still be early.
The INEC timetable leaves limited time for aspirants, with party primaries — including dispute resolution — running from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Presidential and National Assembly campaigns begin August 19, 2026, while governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns start September 9, 2026.
Key senators eyeing governorships include:
Kwara State
All three serving senators are positioning to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in 2027:
– Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru (Kwara South, APC) — publicly declared his bid in February 2026, citing his credentials and long-standing understanding of the state.
– Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) — intensifying community mobilisation and empowerment programmes.
– Senator Umar Sadiq Suleiman (Kwara North) — also actively engaging stakeholders.
Ogun State
Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan (Ogun West, APC), popularly known as “Yayi,” has been pursuing the governorship since 2019 through massive empowerment programmes across Ogun West and parts of Lagos West (his former constituency). His N3 billion Ogun West Empowerment Programme has trained thousands in vocations, with cash grants and tools distributed.
Nasarawa State
– Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa Central) — has been engaging stakeholders, changed from SDP to APC, and deployed billboards and posters across all 13 LGAs.
– Senator Mohammed Onawo (Nasarawa South) — mentioned as a potential contender, though without a clear public declaration yet.
Bauchi State
– Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP) — declared his ambition, rallying PDP structures and youth groups.
– Senator Shehu Buba Umar (Bauchi South, APC) — also seeking the APC ticket.
Oyo State
– Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North, APC) — publicly stated he will not return to the Senate and is targeting Governor Seyi Makinde’s seat.
– Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South, APC) — believed to be eyeing the same ticket, using empowerment programmes like ICT training, POS distribution, and farm inputs.
Kano State
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North, APC) has openly positioned himself for the governorship, leveraging community service, empowerment, and grassroots support.
**Yobe State
Former Senate President Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan (Yobe North, APC) is rumoured to be interested in succeeding Governor Mai Mala Buni, though he has not made a public declaration.
With zoning debates, party defections, and intra-party rivalries intensifying, the 2027 governorship races involving these senators promise fierce contests that could reshape state leadership across Nigeria.
