The release of the 2027 election notice by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked early political maneuvering nationwide, particularly within the Senate, where at least 12 serving lawmakers are positioning themselves for governorship contests.
Investigations indicate that these senators, drawn from the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West, have intensified grassroots consultations and mobilisation. Although no senator from the South-East or South-South has formally indicated interest yet, insiders suggest it may still be premature for declarations from those zones.
INEC’s timetable has heightened the urgency. Party primaries are scheduled to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, leaving aspirants limited time to consolidate support and resolve disputes.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin in August 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns follow in September
Kwara State stands out, as its three senators: Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), and Umar Sadiq Suleiman (Kwara North) are all seeking to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Ashiru, the Deputy Senate Leader, has publicly declared his ambition, arguing that merit, not zoning, should determine leadership.
Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has expanded empowerment initiatives statewide, while Suleiman is also building support within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
In Ogun State, Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, is pursuing a long-held governorship ambition.
The Appropriations Committee chairman has invested heavily in vocational training and empowerment programmes across Ogun West and parts of Lagos, positioning himself strategically amid zoning debates and internal APC dynamics.
Nasarawa presents a dual contest, with Senators Aliyu Wadada and Mohammed Onawo linked to the race. Wadada, now in the APC after defecting from the SDP, has launched visible statewide campaigns. In Bauchi, Senators Abdul Ningi (PDP) and Shehu Buba Umar (APC) are preparing for party primaries.
Oyo features Senators Abdulfatai Buhari and Sharafadeen Alli jostling for the APC ticket. In Kano, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin’s ambition faces uncertainty following Governor Abba Yusuf’s move to the APC. Meanwhile, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan is widely believed to be eyeing Yobe’s governorship.
As zoning debates, defections, and rivalries intensify, the 2027 governorship races are shaping up to significantly reshape state leadership across Nigeria.
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