Six Nigerian Governors Declare Interest to Run for Senate

Six sitting governors have declared their interest in contesting senatorial seats ahead of the 2027 general elections. Reports indicate that five of the eight governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and due to complete their second terms in May 2027 have officially entered the Senate race.

They have submitted their expression of interest and nomination forms in preparation for the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for May 18. In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has also secured a nomination form under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The governors seeking Senate seats are Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule; Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni; Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri; and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

In some states, incumbent senators representing the same districts have accepted the governors’ ambitions and agreed to step aside. Others, however, are preparing for a political contest ahead of the primaries.

The APC is expected to use two methods for selecting candidates: consensus, where aspirants voluntarily withdraw in favour of one candidate, and direct primaries where no agreement is reached.

According to Daily Trust, it has increasingly become common for governors completing their constitutionally allowed eight years in office to seek positions in the Senate.

While some political analysts see nothing unusual in the development, others argue that the trend raises concerns about the state of internal democracy in Nigeria.

Political scientist John Ireoluwa noted that experienced politicians often occupy Senate seats in countries such as the United States.

However, he argued that in Nigeria, some governors secure such positions by suppressing opposition within their parties and sidelining potential challengers, including incumbent senators.

In Adamawa and Yobe states, the transition appears less contentious, with sitting lawmakers reportedly stepping aside to support the governors’ ambitions.

The situation in Nasarawa State is more complex. Governor Abdullahi Sule is targeting the Nasarawa North Senatorial District seat, which became vacant following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki in December 2025.

No by-election has been conducted to fill the vacancy, and with preparations for the 2027 elections already underway, it appears unlikely that one will take place before the general polls.

Meanwhile, political tensions are expected in Ogun and Kwara states, where incumbent senators have either vowed to challenge the governors during the primaries or imposed conditions before agreeing to step down.