2027: Governors, Ex-Governors Threaten Senators’ Return Tickets

Governors, Ex-Governors Threaten Senators’ Return Tickets Ahead Of 2027
Many serving senators may lose return tickets ahead of 2027 elections.
Internal party tensions are rising over consensus and candidate imposition.

A major political battle is shaping up ahead of the 2027 general elections as governors, former governors and other influential politicians intensify moves to secure seats in the National Assembly, threatening the return ambitions of many serving senators.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that more than 45 per cent of current senators may struggle to retain their seats amid growing internal battles over party structures, consensus arrangements and alleged imposition of candidates by political heavyweights.

The development has reportedly heightened tensions within major political parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress, where several outgoing governors are positioning themselves for senatorial tickets ahead of the end of their tenure in 2027.

Among senators reportedly facing difficult re-election battles are Saliu Mustapha, Suleiman Sadiq, Lola Ashiru, Solomon Adeola, Adetokunbo Abiru, Ahmad Lawan, Tahir Monguno, Kaka Lawan, Sarafadeen Alli, Abdulfatah Buhari, Aliyu Ahmed and Buba Umar Shehu.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim is also said to have exited the race following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Other lawmakers reportedly battling uncertain political futures include Ireti Kingibe, Lawal Usman, Khalid Mustapha, Gbenga Daniel, Kelvin Chukwu, Abba Moro, Emmanuel Udende, Titus Zam, Ned Nwoko and Peter Ndalikali.

Kingibe is reportedly facing mounting pressure from political allies loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is believed to be backing former senator Philip Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat.

In Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is also reportedly facing a difficult contest as former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello intensifies efforts to reclaim the district for the APC.

The unfolding political realignments come shortly after the Senate reversed controversial amendments to its Standing Orders that would have barred first-time senators from contesting principal leadership positions in the 11th National Assembly.

Before the reversal, the amendments required lawmakers seeking leadership positions to have served at least two consecutive terms, a move many political observers interpreted as an attempt to block incoming governors and former governors eyeing the Senate Presidency and other key offices in 2027.

Several governors completing their second terms in office are already being linked with senatorial ambitions. They include AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Abdullahi Sule, Ahmadu Fintiri, Babagana Zulum, Muhammadu Yahaya, Mai Mala Buni, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed.

Although Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma are expected to complete their tenures in 2028 due to off-cycle elections, both have also been linked with Senate ambitions.

Governors, Ex-Governors Threaten Senators’ Return Tickets Ahead Of 2027

In Imo State, APC leaders have reportedly endorsed Uzodimma for the Imo West senatorial seat despite the interest of incumbent Senator Osita Izunaso and former governor Rochas Okorocha.