As the 2027 general elections approach, a major political shift is brewing in the National Assembly.
At least 11 sitting senators are reportedly eyeing governorship seats across Nigeria, leveraging their legislative influence and federal might to seize executive power in their home states.
In Kano, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin is the man to watch. Despite Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent defection to the APC, Barau’s massive grassroots support and scholarship programs keep him at the forefront of the state’s succession battle.
Similarly, in Ogun State, Senator Solomon “Yayi” Adeola is gaining momentum.
Currently chairing the Appropriations Committee, Yayi is being positioned by APC heavyweights to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun, banking on his “Ogun West for Governor” agenda.
The North-Central region is equally heated. Senator Aliyu Wadada has openly declared his ambition for the Nasarawa top job, recently returning to the APC to solidify his chances.
In Kwara, the race features a dual threat from Senators Saliu Mustapha and Suleiman Sadiq Umar, both of whom are navigating the state’s complex zoning arrangements.
Other states seeing senatorial interest include Bauchi, where Shehu Buba Umar and Abdul Ahmed Ningi are potential rivals, and Oyo, where Senator Abdulfatah Buhari has confirmed he won’t return to the Senate, focusing instead on the governorship.
With high-profile names like Tahir Monguno (Borno) and Barinada Mpigi (Rivers) also in the mix, the 2027 race promises an intense showdown between legislative veterans and state-level power brokers.
