12 Senators Position for Governorship Races Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
Political maneuvering ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections is gathering momentum as at least 12 senators are reportedly preparing to contest governorship positions in their respective states.
The emerging ambitions follow the release of the official electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has triggered increased political consultations, grassroots mobilization, and internal party negotiations across the country.
Most of the senators reportedly considering gubernatorial bids belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), although a few figures from other political parties are also said to be exploring similar moves. Political observers say the trend reflects a broader strategy among national legislators seeking to transition from legislative roles to executive leadership at the state level.
The senators linked to governorship ambitions are drawn largely from the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West geopolitical zones. While there have been no confirmed declarations from senators in the South-East and South-South zones, political insiders say some may still enter the race as the election season develops.
According to the timetable released by INEC, party primaries for the 2027 elections are scheduled to begin on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026. Presidential and National Assembly campaigns are expected to commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and State House of Assembly elections will start on September 9, 2026.
In Kwara State, the governorship race is already drawing attention because all three serving senators from the state are believed to be interested in the position. These include Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South; Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central; and Umar Sadiq Suleiman from Kwara North.
Among them, Ashiru, who currently serves as the Deputy Senate Leader, has reportedly declared his intention to run for the state’s top office. He recently addressed supporters in Offa, presenting his experience and legislative record as part of his campaign message.
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Another prominent aspirant is Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi. The senator, who represents Lagos West and currently chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, has openly expressed interest in the governorship race in Ogun State.
In Nasarawa State, Aliyu Wadada, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, is widely believed to be preparing a governorship bid as he seeks to succeed the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Sule. Reports indicate that campaign materials bearing Wadada’s image have already appeared in several local government areas across the state.
Another Nasarawa senator, Mohammed Onawo, is also rumored to be weighing his options regarding a potential governorship run.
In Bauchi State, Abdul Ahmed Ningi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly declared his governorship ambition. Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, is relying on his legislative experience and party networks to build support across the state.
However, another senator from the state, Shehu Buba Umar of the APC, is also believed to be considering a similar bid.
In Oyo State, Abdulfatai Buhari, the senator representing Oyo North, has signaled his intention to contest the governorship seat. During a radio interview, he stated that he would not be seeking another Senate term in 2027, a statement widely interpreted as confirmation of his gubernatorial ambition.
Another potential contender in the state is Sharafadeen Alli, the senator representing Oyo South. Reports indicate that Alli has been strengthening his grassroots network through empowerment initiatives, including ICT training programs, Point-of-Sale equipment distribution, and agricultural support schemes.
In Kano State, Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President representing Kano North, is regarded as one of the leading political figures likely to pursue the governorship position.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan has also been mentioned as a possible governorship aspirant in Yobe State, although he has not formally declared his intention.
Political analysts say the growing number of senators eyeing governorship seats highlights the intense competition expected in the 2027 election cycle. For many lawmakers, a successful governorship bid would represent a shift from national legislative influence to direct executive authority within their home states.
As political consultations intensify in the months ahead, party primaries are expected to become the first major battleground in determining which of these aspirants ultimately secure tickets to contest in the 2027 governorship elections.