As preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gather momentum, a growing number of serving governors are positioning themselves for seats in the Senate, continuing a long-standing political trend that has seen many former state executives move to the National Assembly after leaving office.

Political observers note that the Senate is increasingly becoming a destination for outgoing governors, with several seeking to extend their political careers through legislative roles.

Among governors expected to complete their second and final terms in 2027 are AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe). Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma are also expected to complete their terms in early 2028.

While Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared interest in the presidency rather than a Senate seat, several of his colleagues have already begun making moves toward senatorial contests.

Dapo Abiodun – Ogun

One of the most closely watched contests is in Ogun East Senatorial District, where Governor Dapo Abiodun secured the APC ticket after defeating incumbent Senator Gbenga Daniel, himself a former governor of the state. The victory is seen as a demonstration of Abiodun’s growing influence within the state’s political structure.

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya – Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is seeking to represent Gombe North Senatorial District and is expected to face former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of the PDP, who currently occupies the seat.

Bala Mohammed – Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed is the only non-APC governor among those seeking Senate seats. Reports indicate he is contesting for Bauchi South Senatorial District under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) after leaving the PDP.

Mohammed previously served as senator between 2007 and 2010 before being appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Abdullahi Sule – Nasarawa

Governor Abdullahi Sule is seeking the Nasarawa North Senate seat, which became vacant following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki in December 2025.

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri – Adamawa

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri is set to contest for the Adamawa North Senate seat after incumbent Senator Amos Yohanna stepped aside in support of his bid. Yohanna announced his withdrawal during a stakeholders’ meeting in Mubi, where Fintiri was presented with the party’s nomination form.

Mai Mala Buni – Yobe

Governor Mai Mala Buni has received strong backing from the APC in his bid for the Yobe East Senate seat. Incumbent Senator Musa Mustapha has withdrawn from the race and publicly endorsed the governor.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq – Kwara

In Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has secured support from key APC stakeholders for the Kwara Central Senate ticket. The incumbent senator, Saliu Mustapha, had earlier sought the governorship ticket but was unsuccessful.

Hope Uzodimma – Imo

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition has attracted particular attention because his tenure as governor will not end until February 2028. He is seeking the APC ticket for Imo West Senatorial District, a seat he previously represented in the Senate between 2011 and 2019 before becoming governor.

Former Governors Already in the Senate

The movement of governors into the Senate is not new. Several former governors currently serve as senators, including Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Gombe), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), and Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State.

The trend continues to spark debate among political observers, with some arguing that the Senate is increasingly becoming a retirement destination for former governors, while others maintain that their experience can contribute to legislative governance and national development.