At least 17 former Nigerian governors are positioning themselves to contest Senate seats in the 2027 general elections, a move that underscores a broader trend of ex-chief executives seeking to extend their political influence through the National Assembly. The list includes Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who served two terms as governor of Akwa Ibom State, and several others with varying legislative histories.
Notable Figures and Their Senatorial Ambitions
Godswill Akpabio, who governed Akwa Ibom from 2007 to 2015, currently represents the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District and serves as Senate President. Having won his Senate seat in 2019 and again in 2023, he is preparing for a third senatorial contest in 2027. Similarly, Orji Kalu, former governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, represents Abia North Senatorial District and is expected to seek a third term, having won in 2019 and 2023.
Ahmadu Fintiri, who completed two terms as governor of Adamawa State from 2019 to 2027, is linked to a Senate run for the Adamawa Central Senatorial District, which would be his first attempt at the National Assembly. Bala Mohammed, who governed Bauchi State from 2019 to 2027, previously served as a senator for Bauchi South and as a minister; a return to the Senate would mark his second senatorial contest.
Former Governors with Prior Senate Experience
Henry Seriake Dickson, governor of Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020, currently represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District, having won in 2023, and is expected to seek a second term. Ifeanyi Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023 and was the Peoples Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate in 2023, is linked to a Senate run in Delta North, which he previously represented before his governorship. Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State from 2008 to 2016 and later national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, represents Edo North Senatorial District and is expected to contest for a second time.
Ibrahim Dankwambo, governor of Gombe State from 2011 to 2019, is linked to a Senate run for Gombe Senatorial District, which would be his first attempt, having previously contested the 2019 presidential election. Inuwa Yahaya, who completed two terms as governor of Gombe State from 2019 to 2027, is also linked to a Senate seat, marking his first bid. Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State since 2020 following a Supreme Court ruling, is linked to a return to the Senate, where he previously represented Orlu Zone; a 2027 run would be his third senatorial contest.
Long-Standing Political Careers and New Entrants
Ibrahim Shekarau, governor of Kano State from 2003 to 2011, previously represented Kano Central Senatorial District, winning in 2019 before defecting between parties; a 2027 contest would be his second bid. Adamu Aliero, governor of Kebbi State from 1999 to 2007, has had a lengthy Senate career representing Kebbi Central across multiple terms; his expected 2027 bid would be at least his third senatorial contest. Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is linked to a senatorial run, though he faces legal issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; a 2027 contest would be his first attempt.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who completed two terms as governor of Kwara State from 2019 to 2027, is linked to a Senate run, which would be his first. Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State from 2019 to 2027, is linked to a senatorial bid, having previously served in the House of Representatives; a Senate run would be his first attempt at the upper chamber. Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023 and later minister of Labour and Employment, currently represents Plateau South Senatorial District and is expected to seek a second term. Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023 and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, is linked to a Senate run, which would be his first. Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe State from 2019 to 2027, previously served in the House of Representatives and as national secretary of the APC; a 2027 Senate bid would be his first attempt.
Broader Political Context
This trend of former governors seeking Senate seats reflects a pattern where chief executives, having exhausted the constitutional limit of two terms, turn to the National Assembly to remain relevant and influential. The list was compiled ahead of the 2027 elections, with each former governor linked to specific senatorial districts. In a related development, Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, who cannot run for a third term, has called out governorship candidates attacking him on the campaign trail, urging them to direct criticism at a named opponent and encouraging voters to demand concrete plans from candidates before deciding who to support in 2027.
