2027: Six outgoing APC governors join Senate race
The political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections is undergoing significant realignment as several outgoing governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) begin moves to transition
The political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections is undergoing significant realignment as several outgoing governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) begin moves to transition from the executive to the legislative arm of government.
Of the eight APC governors expected to complete their second terms in May 2027, six have formally joined the race for Senate seats, submitting their expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the party’s senatorial primaries slated for May 18.
The aspirants include Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).
In Adamawa, Yobe and Kwara states, the path appears relatively smooth, with incumbent lawmakers stepping aside in support of the governors’ ambitions.
In Adamawa North, Senator Amos Yohanna has withdrawn from the race to back Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. Speaking at a stakeholders’ event in Mubi, where Fintiri received his N20 million nomination forms, Yohanna said the decision was taken in the collective interest of the constituency.
“My resolve to support Governor Fintiri is guided by personal conviction and loyalty to our people,” he said, adding that stakeholders jointly encouraged the governor to contest the seat.
Similarly, in Yobe East, Governor Mai Mala Buni is poised to secure the ticket following incumbent Senator Musa Mustapha (Kulas)’s decision not to seek re-election and instead endorse the governor.
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The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is also expected to enjoy a smooth ride in the primary, as the incumbent senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Salihu Mustapha, is reportedly seeking higher office.
Mustapha is believed to be eyeing the Kwara State governorship seat in Ilorin.
However, if the governor secures the party’s senatorial ticket, Mustapha, a former Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), may face an uphill battle. Aside from contending with 14 other aspirants for the APC governorship ticket, he also hails from the same senatorial zone as the incumbent governor.
However, not all the contests are without friction.
In Ogun East, a keen battle is shaping up between Governor Dapo Abiodun and incumbent Senator Gbenga Daniel.
Despite a wave of endorsements from local stakeholders for Abiodun, Daniel, a former governor, has signalled his determination to retain the seat, setting the stage for a potentially intense primary contest.
In Borno Central, Governor Babagana Zulum has secured his nomination forms but may face resistance within the party, amid indications that some factions are backing the incumbent, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN), for a second term.
In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule is targeting the Nasarawa North senatorial seat, which became vacant following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki (SDP) in December 2025.
Sule, whose nomination forms were procured by a coalition of stakeholders, has accepted the call to contest, citing his desire to continue serving the state at the federal level.
