According to a report by the Punch on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Nigeria’s political landscape is undergoing a notable shift as several outgoing governors intensify efforts to secure Senate seats ahead of the 2027 general elections, a move that is increasingly displacing incumbent lawmakers.
With many governors nearing the end of their constitutionally allowed tenure, attention has turned to the National Assembly as the next political destination. Armed with significant control over party structures in their states, these leaders are leveraging consensus arrangements and internal influence to position themselves or their loyalists as preferred candidates.
This growing trend has stirred tension within party ranks, as reports indicate that several sitting senators are being pressured to withdraw, sidelined, or completely shut out of the selection process. In many instances, party primaries are becoming mere formalities, with outcomes largely shaped by the decisions of influential state actors.
The situation became more pronounced following meetings involving President Bola Tinubu and key political stakeholders, where lawmakers had sought assurances for automatic return tickets. However, the President maintained that governors retain decisive authority over candidate selection within their states.
Reinforcing this stance, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, disclosed that, “He has delegated and ceded his executive power to the governors to conduct primaries in accordance with the Electoral Act,” signalling a major shift in control over the primaries process.
This development is already reshaping political alignments across states such as Yobe and Gombe, where internal agreements and zoning arrangements have significantly altered the chances of incumbent legislators. While some lawmakers have stepped aside voluntarily, others have been edged out through strategic party decisions.
Political observers say the trend reflects a broader consolidation of power at the state level, with governors not only influencing succession within their states but also extending their reach into federal legislative positions.
While supporters argue that consensus arrangements help maintain party unity and reduce internal conflicts, critics caution that the approach could undermine internal democracy and restrict fair competition.
