Red Chamber Rush: Outgoing Govs Scramble For Senate Seats

…Experts warn NASS isn’t a retirement home

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, second-term governors and a few former state chief executives have begun strategic moves to remain politically relevant after leaving office.

Investigations by LEADERSHIP Weekend show that across party lines, the Senate has emerged as a major target for many of these political actors seeking to retain influence within the national political power space.

Already, consultations, alliance-building, and quiet negotiations are underway in several states.

The development comes as the constitutional two-term limit compels many governors to begin planning their next political steps well ahead of the election cycle.

Political analysts note that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, is increasingly being viewed as a natural transition platform for outgoing governors.

In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule has publicly acknowledged that he was already considering contesting for the Nasarawa North senatorial seat due to mounting pressure from political leaders in the state.

Sule confirmed that discussions were ongoing, though he had not formally declared his intention to run.

The governor said persistent appeals from stakeholders have made it difficult for him to ignore the calls to contest.

He said he initially planned to support another aspirant for the senatorial seat, but the plan changed when the same aspirant urged him to join the race.

The governor had previously ruled out seeking elective office after completing his second term.

“I have no dream of becoming even president; I have no dreams for that. I can tell you categorically that Abdullahi Sule would not go for the Senate after leaving office,” the governor had earlier said in a Channels Television interview two years ago.

“By the time I finish my eight years, I can do whatever I want to do. You can take it from me confidently that I have no intention to run for the office of a senator. You can keep this tape and play it one day.”

He was that emphatic.

But Ali Abare, the governor’s senior special assistant on media, told an online media group that Sule’s change in position does not yet constitute a formal declaration.

Defending the governor’s new stance, his spokesperson said “life is dynamic”, adding that Sule is still having consultations on the matter.

“He informed them (executive council) about his decision to answer the call of the people when they paid him a Sallah homage,” Abare said.

“The governor said he never intended to run, but for the pressure from within and outside the state for him to contest for the Nasarawa North senatorial seat.

“As the governor said, he will make his declaration in due course, with no specific timeline attached. As of now, he is still making consultations,” he added.

In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun is set to battle a former governor of the state, Senator Gbenga Daniel, for the Ogun East senatorial seat.

Though Daniel remains a key player in shaping the political landscape ahead of 2027, Abiodun is believed to be interested in the coveted seat, a development that has affected the relationship between the two friends.

Daniel’s continued influence reflects the growing competition for senatorial positions within the state and the broader South-West region.

Political observers say such ambitions could trigger internal party competition, negotiations, and possible alignments ahead of primaries.

In Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), will finish his second term on 29 May 2027.

Having previously served as a member and Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, the governor is said to be eyeing the Senate to represent the Adamawa North Senatorial District when he finishes his tenure.

It was also gathered that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and his Borno State counterpart, Professor Babagana Zulum, are also planning to contest the senatorial elections in their respective states.

The former, Bala Mohammed, was first elected into the Senate in 2007, from where he was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the then-acting President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2010.

It is the same for Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya and his Kwara State counterpart, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. Both are said to be eyeing the Senate seats in their respective political districts.

Among serving governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is frequently mentioned in political circles as a potential senatorial aspirant.

However, sources close to Lagos politics said his next political move may depend on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state’s undisputed political leader.

‘’President Tinubu is unlikely to support the governor’s senatorial ambition. He is even lucky to have served two terms as the governor of the rich state,’’ a member of the political group loyal to the president told our correspondent on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue.

Analysts point out that Lagos politics is highly structured and decisions often depend on broader party arrangements and zoning considerations.

Our correspondent could not ascertain the next political move of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, but a source close to state politics said the governor could be appointed as a minister if President Tinubu wins a second term.

Although he has not made any official declaration, sources indicate that consultations are ongoing within his political network and among party stakeholders.

Key former governors in the 10th Senate

The Senate appears to be a retirement home for former governors. The current Senate has about 13 former governors among its senators. They are Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara).

Others are Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Sani Bello (Niger), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Gombe), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun).

Meanwhile, a few former governors are also angling to join their counterparts in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

In Niger State, former governor Abubakar Sani Bello has also been linked to possible senatorial ambitions as political activities begin to gather momentum.

His name has surfaced in discussions around succession politics and future legislative representation within the state.

In Kogi State, attention is on former governor Yahaya Bello, whose political future remains a subject of intense debate among stakeholders.

Bello has been linked with a possible Senate bid despite ongoing legal scrutiny over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure in office.

The situation in Kogi is further complicated by the presence of strong opposition figures positioning themselves for the contest.

The incumbent, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is widely regarded as a major contender with growing political support across different constituencies.

She is believed to be strengthening alliances across opposition platforms, including blocs within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Observers say the emerging rivalry in Kogi reflects broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Across several states, there are indications that senatorial tickets may become highly contested as more aspirants signal interest.

Party zoning arrangements, power rotation principles, and internal negotiations are expected to play decisive roles in determining eventual candidates.

The growing interest of former governors in the Senate has raised concerns among analysts and civil society organisations.

Some experts argue that the trend could affect the quality of legislative performance and institutional independence.

A constitutional lawyer, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, warned that the National Assembly should not be treated as a political retirement home.

According to him, effective lawmaking requires competence, diligence, accountability, and independence from executive influence.

Civil society groups have also expressed concern about the potential weakening of legislative oversight if the trend continues.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP Weekend, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at YIAGA Africa, said the development could undermine the Senate’s core functions.

She noted that excessive concentration of former governors in the legislature may reduce citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability.

Mbamalu added that the Senate plays a critical role in lawmaking, representation, and oversight, and that these functions must be protected.

Dr Christian Okeke of the Department of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, described the development as part of Nigeria’s transactional political culture.

He said the increasing interest of former governors in the Senate suggests that many political actors view public office primarily as a means of retaining influence.

Okeke further noted that the trend may contribute to declining legislative debates and reduced focus on development-driven policies.

Despite these concerns, some analysts argue that there is no legal restriction preventing former governors from contesting for Senate seats.

They, however, raised issues regarding the use of political structures and resources to gain electoral advantage.

Observers also note a growing perception that the Senate is becoming a destination for career politicians seeking to maintain power.

As political activity intensifies ahead of 2027, analysts say voters’ role will be crucial in shaping the outcomes.

They also stress the importance of credible primaries and a transparent electoral process in determining who eventually occupies legislative positions.

Stakeholders maintain that strengthening democratic institutions will be key to ensuring that the National Assembly fulfils its constitutional responsibilities.