After two terms, five APC Govs turn eyes to Senate
Five Outgoing APC Governors Set Sights on Senate Seats Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA — The political landscape is shifting as five outgoing governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have announced their candidacies for Senate seats. These governors submitted their expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for May 18.
The governors seeking Senate positions include Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun. All eight APC governors completing their second terms in May 2027 are notable figures in the imminent electoral changes.
In Adamawa and Yobe, the road to the Senate appears relatively favorable for Fintiri and Buni. In Adamawa North, incumbent Senator Amos Yohanna has withdrawn his candidacy to support Fintiri, a decision he announced at a stakeholders’ event in Mubi, where Fintiri received his N20 million nomination forms. “My resolve to support Governor Fintiri is guided by personal conviction and loyalty to our people,” Yohanna stated, noting stakeholder encouragement for Fintiri’s candidacy.
Similarly, in Yobe East, Buni’s prospects look bright, with incumbent Senator Musa Mustapha choosing not to seek re-election and endorsing the governor for the position.
However, not all races are devoid of contention. In Ogun East, a competitive primary is anticipated as Governor Dapo Abiodun faces off against incumbent Senator Gbenga Daniel. Despite local stakeholder endorsements for Abiodun, Daniel, a former governor, remains committed to defending his seat, indicating a potential for a heated primary battle.
Governor Zulum in Borno Central has secured his nomination forms but may encounter internal party challenges, as some factions are reportedly backing incumbent Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN, for another term.
In Nasarawa, Governor Sule aims for the Nasarawa North senatorial seat, which became vacant following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki of the Social Democratic Party in December 2025. Sule’s nomination was supported by a coalition of stakeholders, and he expressed a desire to continue serving the state at the federal level.
As the May primaries approach, the dynamics within the APC and the competition among these outgoing governors promise to shape the electoral landscape leading to the 2027 general elections.
