Five governors from the All Progressives Congress are positioning themselves for Senate seats in 2027. Their second terms end in May, and they've already picked up nomination forms for the party's senatorial primaries.
The governors are Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun. They're all preparing to move from state houses to the national assembly.
In several states, fellow APC members have cleared the way. Senator Amos Yohanna stepped aside in Adamawa North to back Fintiri.
He said unity and collective interest drove his decision.
Yobe East saw a similar move when Senator Musa Mustapha chose not to run again. He endorsed Buni for the seat, signalling party coordination in the state.
Nasarawa presents another straightforward scenario for Sule. He's eyeing Nasarawa North after Senator Godiya Akwashiki's death left it vacant.
No major opposition has emerged so far.
But other contests won't be easy. In Ogun East, Abiodun faces a tough fight against Senator Gbenga Daniel.
A sitting governor battling a current legislator guarantees a bruising primary.
Borno Central could get messy too. Reports indicate party factions still support Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.
Zulum may face serious internal resistance before the May 18 primaries.
The senatorial races reflect a broader shift within Nigeria's ruling party. Executive officers are positioning themselves for legislative roles as their gubernatorial tenures wind down.
