No fewer than 11 governors would be bowing out of office by May 29, 2027.

Currently serving their second terms, they would not be seeking another term as they’re constrained by constitutional provisions that restrict individuals to no more than two terms of four years each.

They are Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed; Borno, Babagana Zulum; Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri; Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Gombe, Inuwa Yahaya; Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo, Seyi Makinde; Kwara, AbdulRahman Abdulrazak; Bayelsa, Douye Diri; and Imo, Hope Uzodinma.

Of the lot, five are from the North-east, two from the South-west; one from the South-east; one from the South-south and two from the North-central.

Our correspondents observe that the race for the governorship seats is hotting up is states and activities are picking up quite early because the outgoing governors appear interested in choosing those who will take over from them and are working to support them.

The push by the early contestants is to win the support of the governors and take advantage of any favourable situation to position themselves ahead of time.

In such states, the opposition party members consider the lack of incumbency factor as their opportunity to strike. Some have started serious consultations with stakeholders, meeting with key party leaders, using social media to promote themselves while some have even printed posters and erected bill boards.

Conversely, the tempo is lower in states where the governors are in their first terms and expected to re-contest in the forthcoming elections.

Our correspondents examine the tempo in these states, revealing those who have indicated interests in running and those likely to contest for the governorship seats.

Bauchi

In Bauchi State, it is not clear if Governor Bala Mohammed has chosen a successor, but those believed to be interested in throwing their hats into the ring include; Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate; Senator Abdul Ahmad Ningi and the state commissioner of finance, Alhaji Yakubu Adamu.

There are indications that Dr. Pate has the support of the governor, though he is not a card-carrying member of the PDP, which is the ruling party in the state.

Sources indicate that Dr. Pate also enjoys the support of the presidency. Observers opined that if the APC fields Dr. Pate as its flag bearer, Gov. Mohammed may support him in order to have a soft landing.

Though Sen. Ningi is also a potential candidate for governorship, the ongoing internal crisis rocking the PDP could affect his candidature.

Weekend Trust learnt that with internal crisis deepening, a development which has led to exodus of some party big wigs, it is not certain if Senator Ningi will remain in PDP, thereby straining his bid to contest the governorship election on its platform.

The commissioner of finance, though a PDP member and member of the state executive council, is not as popular as the two others.

The commissioner is, however, believed to be at the forefront of the campaign for the governor to run as president and is believed to be behind the several presidential campaign billboards of Governor Mohammed in strategic locations within Bauchi metropolis. He is said to be the favourite of the governor’s son, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed.

Another contender is Alhaji Bala Maijama’a Wunti, a former senior official at the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Though Wunti has not openly declared his intention, his posters are visible on commercial tricycles and strategic places including roundabouts, major junctions and on public buildings in Bauchi.

Also, recently, he embarked on the distribution of fertiliser to farmers across the 20 local government areas of the state, a development political pundits viewed as part of efforts to woo farmers ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

It would also be recalled that recently, a middle-aged man climbed a GSM mast in his quest to persuade the former NNPC official to contest for governor of the state in 2027. It took the intervention of security personnel for the man to come down from the mast.

Nasarawa

As the 2027 general elections draw near, the political atmosphere in Nasarawa State is already charged, with major contenders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) quietly intensifying consultations across the state’s 13 local government areas.

At the heart of the growing political contest is whether the zoning arrangement in the state will prevail.

Power has rotated among the three senatorial districts—Nasarawa North, South, and West over the past two decades. With the North currently completing its eight-year turn, political observers argue that it is now the West’s turn again, after waiting over 20 years since it last held power under Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

However, zoning in APC appears to have been unofficially discarded, leaving the race wide open.

Governor Sule, the latest in the line of Nasarawa’s kingmakers, is widely expected to anoint his successor, just as his predecessors did. Senator Abdullahi Adamu endorsed the late Aliyu Akwe Doma in 2007, and Senator Tanko Al-Makura successfully installed Sule in 2019. Now, all eyes are on who Sule will back in 2027.

Among those who have indicated interest is Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, a former Inspector General of Police (IGP).

He is believed to be one of the front-liners as he has been intentional about his aspiration with many youths already working for him. His posters have been sighted in many parts of the state. Also recently, he has been visible on the pages of newspapers identifying with the current administration.

There is also David Emmanuel Ombugadu, a former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Akwanga, Wamba and Nassarawa Eggon federal constituency from 2011 to 2019. He made waves in 2023, when he contested against Governor Sule. He is believed to be oiling his machinery to contest in the next elections.

Analysts also say Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the immediate past Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), is emerging as a frontrunner. Other likely contenders are; Professor Mohammed Haruna, former head of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Senator Aliyu Wadada, a former APC stalwart now with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) representing Nasarawa West in the Senate.

Wadada, despite enjoying massive grassroots support, faces two major hurdles: his defection from the APC and a lingering rift with Senator Abdullahi Adamu, dating back to the 2019 senatorial primaries.

Professor Haruna is linked closely to Adamu while Shuaib is said to be penetrating the grassroots.

Adamawa

As Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s term ends in 2027, there’s intense jostling to succeed him. The state Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, Adamu Atiku, son of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is reportedly interested in running.

Ordinarily, his father’s influence should have paved the way for him, but the current no love lost relationship between the governor and the former Vice President threatens his ambition.

Another likely contender is the commissioner in the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Ibrahim Yayaji Mijinyawa. He is known to be a grassroots politician and significant figure in the politics of Adamawa.

The governor’s correspondence with the Gangola People’s Forum (GPF) will also probably play an important role in the succession plan.

The GPF’s support for Fintiri’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining stability in the state, and its choice of candidate will have a good head start.

Others are former governor, Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, Professor Abdullahi Liman Tukur, former vice chancellor at the Modibbo Adama University (MAU).

The succession line may be strongly influenced by Fintiri’s deputy, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta, Chief of Staff, Dr. Amos Edgar, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Yayaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, Speaker Adamawa House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley Morris Vonobulki, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Planning, Abdullahi Prambe and Kwamoti Lao’ri.

It is difficult to ascertain or predict who will succeed the governor of Adamawa State because the governor has not shown any sign about who his successor will be.

But the posters of Caleb Andrew, a former Zenith Bank Regional Manager are all over the state capital.

Gombe

Weekend Trust learnt that unlike in other states where outgoing governors groom their successors, in Gombe, Inuwa Yahaya has kept everything to his chest, making it difficult to know who the governor will anoint as his candidate for the 2027 elections.

The likely contenders from the APC include; Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, the immediate past minister of communications and digital economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Yunusa Yakubu, popularly known as ‘Lubell’ for his construction company. He is a primary and secondary school mate, friend as well as business associate of Governor Yahaya.

Others are; Bala Bello Tinka, who is said to be nursing an ambition to succeed Governor Yahaya. He is the convener of ‘Neighbour-to-Neighbour,’ a campaign group that provided the political structure for Dankwambo in 2015, Usman Bello Kumo, currently serving as a member of the House of Representatives and Aminu Umar Yuguda, the incumbent Accountant-General of the state. Yuguda’s posts have flooded the social media, There is also Muhammad Gambo Magaji, the current Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development;

Engineer Aliyu Mohammed, popularly known as ‘Aliyu Kombat,’ is the youngest among the likely contenders for the APC ticket. The Abuja-based property developer who is in his early 40’s, is fast emerging as a youth favourite in the state, especially on social media.

In the PDP are; Muhammad Jibril Barde, who was the flag bearer of the party in the 2023 elections in the state. Barde is seen as a persistent and determined contender. Though, narrowly defeated by Governor Yahaya, which many attributed to power of incumbency, his growing political capital and loyal following suggest he may return with a stronger strategy for the 2027 contest.

Political analysts note that Barde has maintained visibility since the last election, strengthening his connections across the state. His refusal to abandon his gubernatorial ambitions after previous defeats shows a level of commitment that resonates with many voters in the state.

Barde also recently convened some politicians from the PDP, and other political parties to form a coalition to wrest power from the governing APC. Others are; Ali Isa JC, a member of the House of Representatives and Minority Whip and Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, a onetime member of the House of Representatives. He contested in the 2023 election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Weekend Trust learnt that other politicians from the PDP such as Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh and Senator Bayaro Nafada and in the APC, Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga (Sarkin Fulani) and Dattuwa Ali Kumo, are believed to be among contenders preparing to enter the race.

Speaking during a media chat, Governor Yahaya assured voters that his successor would be a politician with a developmental mindset and a growth-driven approach to governance.

“We will support a candidate who will build upon our successes and be ready to achieve even more for the state,” he said.

Borno

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the battle for the number one seat in Borno State has also commenced.

As it is, none among the aspirants has declared to contest the governorship ticket, but the permutations have started.

Aspirants eyeing the seat are; Ali Bukar Dalori; Sen. Abubakar Kyari and Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan.

Others are; Kashim Imam and Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa and Mele Kyari, while in the PDP, there is Idris Mamman Durkwa.

Tahir Monguno, one of the oldest members of APC from the defunct ANPP, is likely to contest, considering how some party helmsmen are canvassing for his endorsement.

Sen. Monguno is a former House of Representatives member representing Marte/Monguno/Ngazai Federal Constituency, and elected into the Senate in 2023 to represent Borno North Senatorial District, and now the Senate Chief Whip.

APC Acting National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, until his elevation, was the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North).

Dalori enjoys the support of both Governor Babagana Zulum and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

There’s also Matawale Kashim Imam, who’s a two- time governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and presently in APC. He is also a former chairman of TETFund.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture, who was a frontline contestant at the 2019 APC governorship primaries is also a contender. Another, is Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN, the senator representing Borno Central, who almost became the anointed candidate of then Governor Kashim Shettima in 2019.

Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, a retired permanent secretary, chartered accountant, scholar and businessman appears equally ready for the race in 2027.

Mele Kolo Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has not declared his intention to contest the governorship position, but speculations are rife that he may seek the office.

In the opposition party, PDP, there is Alhaji Idrissa Mamman Durkwa, a former federal permanent secretary in various ministries.

Bayelsa

As the 2027 political season gets closer, politicians in Bayelsa State are already strategising for the control of the structures and who to push forward to succeed incumbent Governor Douye Diri.

Some observers in the state say the governor may favour the National Assembly member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency, Mitema Obordor. But with the governor’s recent romance with the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who is also eyeing the governorship position, Diri might be in a dilemma on who to settle for.

There are also Chief Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East in the Senate, among others.

Ogbuku, a former Chief of Staff to former Governor Timipre Sylva, is also a political son to the ex-governor, who will throw his weight behind him.

Senator Benson Agadaga, currently representing Bayelsa East senatorial district in the National Assembly, is a close ally of former President Goodluck Jonathan. A former Commissioner in the state, Agadaga also contested the PDP governorship primary in 2019, but lost to Diri. After the primary, he declared his support for Diri, and worked for the success of the party during the general elections.

Kwara

The political landscape in Kwara State is gradually gaining momentum as key figures across party lines begin to position themselves as potential successors to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Though with about one formal declaration, empowerment drives, media rebranding, strategic alliances, and renewed calls for a power shift to Kwara North are already setting the stage for the contest.

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the Senate and the Turaki of Ilorin, Mustapha is one of the most recognisable political figures in the state today. He is also known for his philanthropy. There is also Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, a former Minister of National Planning and current Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). Prof. Sulaiman recently returned to the APC after dumping the PDP.

Another is Yakubu Danladi, 34, who is the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and a prominent figure in the current administration.

There’s also Amb. Yahaya Seriki, a staunch loyalist of the Otoge movement and former Director-General of the APC Campaign Council in 2019. Seriki is a grassroots mobiliser.

Mallam Tajudeen Audu, known as the Makama Lafiagi, is a technocrat and traditional titleholder from Kwara North. He defected to the SDP in the last election cycle as one of the aggrieved APC leaders. He is said to be working to produce a consensus candidate from Kwara North, aligning with the ongoing agitation for power rotation to the zone.

In the PDP, there is Alhaji Ladi Hassan, a former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Health. Ladi Hassan made his intentions known in June 2025, with a well-attended prayer rally.

Lagos

The question of who succeeds Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027 is now on the lips of many observers, watchers of events in Lagos State as well as political pundits.

Will it be Speaker Mudashiru Obasa? Will former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode stage a comeback as being widely speculated? What are the chances of Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, President Bola Tinubu’s personal assistant, Muri-Okunola, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East at the Senate?

These are the people whose names have been associated with the governorship of the state in recent times. Also, Seyi Tinubu, son of the president, has also been rumoured to be interested in the seat.

For Sanwo-Olu, the dynamics of the state’s politics makes it impossible for him to decide his successor. Lagos is unlike other states where the governors, after serving two terms, could install successors.

Lagos presents an interesting scenario as the political leadership or structure is under the control of President Tinubu.

Among factors that would define who becomes the next governor are religion and geography. Sanwo-Olu, the incumbent governor hails from the central senatorial district, which invariably rules out candidates from that area.

Abiru, who is the senator representing Lagos East senatorial district is seen as a preferred candidate going by the agitation from the zone. Ikorodu, where he hails from is a major local government which has stood firmly by the party over the years and has become the APC’s sanctuary at every election.

But a source who spoke with our correspondent in confidence stated that speculations around Ambode are also very strong and cannot be wished away. Ambode, after failing to secure a second term in 2019, recently returned to the fold.

Analyst speaks

Speaking on the development, Associate Professor of Political Science at Al-Hikmah University, Sikiru Lanre Nurudeen, said the activities currently being witnessed should not be mistaken for campaigns but rather early-stage political consultations.

“Politics is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires long-term planning and strategic engagements with various stakeholders, including financiers, traditional rulers, political actors, and interest groups,” he said.

According to him, “Waiting until a few months before elections to begin such engagements signals a lack of seriousness. Since INEC has not released a timetable, I don’t see any rule being flouted. No time is too early to begin consultation in politics.” (Weekend Trust)