Outgoing governors target Senate seats in 2027 as succession politics heats up

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With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, no fewer than 10 serving state governors are believed to be quietly positioning themselves for a transition into the National Assembly’s upper chamber, Blueprint has gathered.

Findings reveal that the Nigerian Senate, often dubbed a “retirement home” for former state executives, currently hosts 10 ex-governors among its 109 members. By the next election cycle, that number could grow significantly as several second-term governors prepare to complete their constitutionally allowed tenure.

Among the governors completing their second term in 2027 are: Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe).

It was gathered that while Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is eyeing the presidency, Imo’s Hope Uzodinma—whose second term runs until 2028—will not be part of the 2027 contest. In Lagos, it remains unclear whether Governor Sanwo-Olu will pursue a senatorial seat, given that his predecessors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode both opted out of such ambitions.

Across states, political calculations are already in motion:

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Kwara: Speculations are rife that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, could contest for the Kwara Central senatorial seat currently held by Senator Saliu Mustapha. However, analysts warn this could trigger a tough intra-party contest, recalling that his predecessor, Bukola Saraki, took a similar route after leaving office.

Borno: Strong indications suggest Governor Babagana Zulum may seek a Senate seat in either Borno Central or Northern Borno, depending on how the APC governorship ticket plays out.

Bayelsa: Loyalists of Governor Douye Diri are already urging him to return to the Senate, where he previously represented Bayelsa Central before becoming governor.

Bauchi: Governor Bala Mohammed is said to be considering the Senate as a fallback option if his hopes of becoming vice-presidential candidate in 2027 do not materialize.

Nasarawa: Governor Abdullahi Sule has publicly stated that he remains undecided, insisting his focus is on governance. Yet, pressure from traditional rulers, stakeholders, and political associates continues to mount on him to contest.

Political analysts warn that the trend of governors moving into the Senate underscores a growing perception of the chamber as a safe landing spot for ex-executives. Critics argue that this pattern sidelines new voices and stifles grassroots representation.

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), condemned the development, describing it as an abuse of incumbency.

“Allowing sitting governors to contest Senate seats gives them unfair advantage over ordinary citizens, because they control enormous state resources and political structures,” he said.

“Worse still, many former governors in the Senate become inactive, inaccessible, and disconnected from their constituents.”

As 2027 approaches, the unfolding scenario is expected to intensify debates about political recycling, accountability, and the future of legislative representation in Nigeria.