APC and PDP prepare for fierce 2027 governorship battles across key states as outgoing governors exit and new aspirants emerge
The build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections is giving way to high-stakes governorship succession contests in at least 10 states.
Also read: Ex-Lawmaker Eta Mbora Defects to ADC in Political Shock Move
Governors in their final terms are set to exit, while new political actors position themselves for the top state offices.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) will complete their constitutionally permitted tenures in 2027.
Party primaries and consultations are already intensifying, with dozens of aspirants exploring strategies to secure party tickets.
Lagos: APC Dominance Shapes Contest
In Lagos, the contest appears internal rather than inter-party. APC’s historical hold on the state positions the ruling party’s ticket as the key prize.
Early declared aspirants include Jide Adediran (“Jandor”) and Samuel Ajose (“SMA”), both from Badagry.
Several influential figures, such as former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, are quietly consulting.
Analysts note that President Bola Tinubu’s influence remains decisive in determining the APC candidate.
Oyo: PDP Faces Internal Rivalries
In Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde’s exit has sparked intense activity within the PDP, complicated by internal crises.
Aspirants include Dr Nureni Adeniran, Adebo Ogundoyin, Segun Ogunwuyi, Dr Debo Akande, Bimbo Adekanmbi, former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, and Adedeji Olajide.
APC contenders include Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Teslim Folarin, Senators Sharafadeen Ali and Abdulfatai Buhari, and former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan.
Zoning, religion, and local bloc considerations are central to contest dynamics.
Nasarawa: Multi-Ethnic Contest Intensifies
Nasarawa presents a crowded field with over 30 aspirants across APC, PDP, SDP, ADC, NNPP, LP, and AA.
Prominent figures include David Ombugadu, who recently defected to the APC, as well as Gen Nuhu Bala Angbazo, Julius Ojo Eggon, and Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo.
Zoning debates persist between ex-Governor Tanko Al-Makura and incumbent Abdullahi Sule, with the latter advocating adherence to the gentlemanly zoning arrangement.
Bauchi: PDP Incumbency vs APC Aspirants
Governor Bala Mohammed remains in PDP, despite rumours of defection.
Possible successors include Commissioner for Finance Yakubu Adamu.
APC aspirants reportedly include Coordinating Minister of Health Prof Ali Pate, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and Senator Shehu Buba.
Zoning remains a key factor, favouring Bauchi South and Central senatorial districts.
Ogun: Ogun West Agitation
In Ogun, over 10 aspirants seek to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun. Leading APC contenders include Senator Solomon Adeola, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and Prof Iyabo Obasanjo.
Opposition candidates include Oladipupo Adebutu (PDP), Segun Showunmi (The Alternative Movement), and Jimi Lawal (ADC).
Ogun West senatorial district, which has not produced a governor, is agitating to field the next leader, a factor shaping internal negotiations.
Yobe: APC Continuity and Opposition Push
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s exit has triggered intense internal APC consultations.
Prominent potential successors include former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Senators Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai and Musa Mustapha, and lawyer Kashim Musa Tumsah.
Opposition parties, including ADC, are leveraging defections such as former Minister Adamu Waziri to mount challenges.
Kwara: APC vs PDP and ADC in a Competitive Race
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s succession contest sees at least eight APC aspirants, including Lanre Issa-Onilu, Senator Lola Ashiru, and Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman.
PDP contenders include Omar Bolaji Gambari, Prof Ali Ahmad, and Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu.
Zoning debates are emerging, with calls for a Christian governor by groups like the Coalition of Concerned Kwara Christian Stakeholders. ADC’s Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia adds a third-party dimension.
Across these states, succession contests are being driven by a combination of zoning, party cohesion, incumbency influence, and aspirants’ individual strategies.
Also read: Ex-Lawmaker Eta Mbora Defects to ADC in Political Shock Move
As consultations and alignments intensify, the stage is set for a complex and fiercely competitive 2027 governorship season.
