A major political battle is brewing ahead of the 2027 general elections as several governors, former governors and influential political figures move to secure seats in the National Assembly, putting the future of many serving senators at risk.
Findings showed that more than 45 per cent of current senators may struggle to retain their seats due to growing pressure from powerful politicians seeking senatorial tickets across different states.
The development has reportedly triggered fresh tensions within major political parties, especially the ruling All Progressives Congress, where outgoing governors are positioning themselves for Senate seats after completing their tenures in 2027.
Among senators reportedly facing uncertain political futures are Saliu Mustapha, Suleiman Sadiq, Lola Ashiru, Solomon Adeola, Adetokunbo Abiru, Ahmad Lawan, Tahir Monguno, Kaka Lawan, Sarafadeen Alli, Abdulfatah Buhari, Aliyu Ahmed and Buba Umar Shehu.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim is also said to have exited the race following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Several other lawmakers are equally battling strong opposition over their return bids, including Ireti Kingibe, Lawal Usman, Khalid Mustapha, Gbenga Daniel, Kelvin Chukwu, Abba Moro, Emmanuel Udende, Titus Zam, Ned Nwoko and Peter Ndalikali.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Ireti Kingibe is reportedly facing pressure from political forces loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who is believed to be backing former senator Philip Aduda for the seat.
Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is also said to be facing a difficult re-election battle amid moves by former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello to reclaim the district for the APC.
The political manoeuvring intensified shortly after the Senate reversed controversial amendments to its Standing Orders that would have prevented first-time senators from contesting principal offices in the 11th National Assembly.
The earlier amendments required lawmakers seeking leadership positions to have served at least two consecutive terms, a move many interpreted as an attempt to block incoming governors and former governors eyeing top Senate positions in 2027.
Several governors expected to leave office in 2027 are already being linked with Senate ambitions, including AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Abdullahi Sule, Ahmadu Fintiri, Babagana Zulum, Muhammadu Yahaya, Mai Mala Buni, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed.
Although Governors Douye Diri and Hope Uzodimma are expected to complete their terms in 2028 because of off-cycle elections, both have also reportedly been linked to senatorial ambitions.
In Imo State, the APC leadership is said to have endorsed Governor Uzodimma for the Imo West senatorial seat despite interest from Senator Osita Izunaso and former governor Rochas Okorocha.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s reported interest in Ogun East is also believed to have created tension around the political future of Senator Gbenga Daniel.
In Gombe State, former governor and serving senator Danjuma Goje is reportedly losing support for another Senate term following zoning arrangements favouring candidates loyal to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
Similarly, Governor Mai Mala Buni has reportedly secured support for the Yobe East senatorial seat, while Governor Abdullahi Sule is emerging as the preferred candidate for Nasarawa North.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is also believed to have gained backing for Adamawa North, while former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa is reportedly being positioned to challenge Senator Ned Nwoko for Delta North.
Meanwhile, several former senators are also planning returns to the National Assembly, including former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Bala Na’Allah, Victor Pam, Ben Murray-Bruce, Shehu Sani and Ayo Arise.
Reacting to the growing political realignments, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, said the party would not impose candidates or adopt unfair consensus arrangements.
According to him, many politicians are defecting from the APC and other parties to the NDC over fears of manipulated primaries and internal injustice.
The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Yusuf Bala, also warned against attempts to create what he described as a one-party system in Nigeria.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure fairness and provide equal opportunities for all political parties during the 2027 elections.
Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, however, dismissed concerns that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe could lose his seat in Abia State, insisting that the lawmaker still enjoys strong grassroots support and backing from the state government.
He added that the Labour Party has learned lessons from past elections and would focus on presenting loyal and credible candidates in 2027.
The current Senate composition stands at APC 87 seats, ADC 8, PDP 4, NDC 3, APGA 1, Labour Party 1 and Accord 1, while four seats remain vacant.
