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 the eight APC governors expected to complete their second terms in May 2027, five 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), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun).

In Adamawa and Yobe, 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In Adamawa North, Senator Amos Yohanna has withdrawn from the race to back Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.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 to instead endorse the governor.

However, not all contests are without friction. In Ogun East, a keen contest 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.

In Borno Central, Governor Babagana Zulum has secured his nomination forms but may face resistance within the party, with 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. (The Nation)

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