As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum across the country, several sitting governors, despite having completed their tenure as two-term governors, are eyeing a senatorial bid as their next line of occupation, or, to put it simply, their next elective role.
Surprisingly, the governors, with no iota of remorse, have abandoned their primary duty to commence their respective consultations and political negotiations across their constituencies ahead of the anticipated general elections with the aim of securing a seat in the 11th Senate after leaving office.
The way the trajectory is going, it seems the governors were considering the Senate as their retirement plan from politics or just wanted to use the 11 Senate to keep being relevant in the political scene, as the electorate does forget political actors after a long stay out of public space.
New Telegraph had earlier reported that across several states and political parties, succession battles and internal party alignments are already shaping the contest for senatorial tickets within both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peope’s Democratic Party (ADC), African Democratic Party (ADC), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), Accord Party, and among several other opposition parties.
Governors With Senatorial Bid Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Here are the names and profiles of incumbent governors who are vying for a senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dapo Abiodun
The number one governor on our list is the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who is reportedly vying for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Ogun East Senatorial District.
New Telegraph gathered that the reported interest of Governor Abidoun is expected to reshape political calculations within the APC, as the former Governor of the state, Senator Gbenga Daniel, who is the current Senator, is seeking a return to the Senate.
However, the declaration of Governor Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial district has sparked a crisis and tension within the ruling party.
Babagana Umara Zulum
Another Governor that topped our list is the Executive Governor
Speculations surrounding a possible Senate ambition by Zulum have continued to gain traction in Borno politics, particularly regarding the Borno Central Senatorial District.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
The Kwara State governor is widely believed to be considering a transition to the Senate after completing his tenure. Political observers say ongoing consultations within the APC in Kwara are linked to efforts to secure a soft landing for the governor at the National Assembly.
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Abdullahi Sule
The Nasarawa governor is said to be weighing a bid for the Nasarawa North Senate seat after office. Political stakeholders in the state have continued consultations over possible succession arrangements and power balancing.
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri
Fintiri is widely mentioned in connection with a possible Senate contest after completing his second term. Political discussions in Adamawa have increasingly focused on his future role within the PDP structure in the state.
Mai Mala Buni
Buni has also emerged in discussions around the Yobe East Senatorial District, with reports indicating that some political stakeholders are already mobilising support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bala Mohammed
Although there have been speculations about wider national ambitions, Bala Mohammed remains strongly linked to possible Senate calculations after leaving office as governor of Bauchi State. The Bauchi governor has also declared his bid to run for senate after defecting to the Allied People’s Movement (APM)
Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya
The Gombe governor is believed to be exploring post-governorship political options, including a possible move to the Senate as political succession talks continue within the state.
Hope Uzodimma
Uzodimma has also featured prominently in discussions surrounding future Senate permutations within Imo politics ahead of the completion of his tenure.
Political observers have noted that the wave of governors running for senate somewhat reflects an inherent drive for political preservation and influence; which is largely seen as a ploy to assert control over party structures and further maintain their relevance in politics after serving their tenure as governors.
In the same vein, this ambitions are gradually triggering in-fighting and resistance from younger politicians who are seeking opportunities to emerge in the senate in the 2027 elections.
