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Several serving senators are now covertly building campaign structures to contest for governorship seats in 2027 election.
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Many are banking on their national influence, grassroots networks, and access to federal power.
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The moves signal looming clashes with sitting governors and party leaders ahead of primaries
The race for 2027 governorship election has begun in earnest, as several serving senators across the country quietly position themselves to take over their state governments.
Investigations by DRN reveal that these lawmakers, most of whom command extensive political machinery and enjoy strong ties with national leaders, have begun activating their campaign networks long before party primaries.
Analysts say the emerging lineup points to a fierce battle between returning senators and incumbent governors, particularly in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In the North, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi South) are both gearing up for the governorship race in Bauchi State.
While Ningi, a former Senate Leader, is banking on his long-standing influence and closeness to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Buba, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, enjoys the backing of powerful APC figures in the state.
In Borno State, two top lawmakers — Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central) — are already positioning to succeed Governor Babagana Zulum. Both are key allies of Vice President Kashim Shettima, setting the stage for an intense intra-party rivalry.
In Kano State, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin is emerging as the strongest APC figure capable of taking on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP. With internal cracks within the NNPP and presidential support from Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Barau is seen as a formidable challenger.
READ ALSO: Aregbesola Predicts Tinubu’s Defeat in 2027 Elections, Says ADC Will Emerge Stronger
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) are being touted as possible successors to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, reportedly enjoys strong grassroots support but has had political clashes with the governor. Umar, on the other hand, has maintained a strategic alliance with AbdulRazaq, which may favour a smooth succession.
In Lagos, Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) — a technocrat and former bank executive — is believed to be eyeing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s seat. His Ikorodu base and strong legislative record have made him a rising favourite among reform-minded political groups.
In neighbouring Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), who chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, is openly being addressed as “incoming governor” by his colleagues. With Ogun West demanding a power shift, Adeola’s political
