An uneasy calm is building across political parties as second-term governors and their stakeholders clash over succession plans ahead of the 2027 governorship elections.
Findings by The Nation show that uncertainty is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Ogun, Kwara and Nasarawa states, as well as in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongholds of Oyo and Adamawa, where party members complain of being left in the dark about who their governors may endorse as successors.
In Akwa Ibom, the reported governorship ambition of Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of petroleum resources (gas), has sparked tension within the APC.
Sources claim that Governor Umo Eno was promised a second-term ticket as part of the deal for his defection from the PDP in June, and party members now fear the minister’s interest could fracture internal unity.
In Lagos, succession politics is once again at the centre of attention as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approaches the end of his tenure. Party members are eager to know where the next flag bearer will emerge from, particularly within the three senatorial districts.
Since 1999, Lagos has largely remained under the dominance of one political structure, with President Bola Tinubu’s influence central to the choice of every governor since 2007. Former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, as well as Sanwo-Olu, all rose as technocrats handpicked by Tinubu.
Possible aspirants within APC are already divided into categories, ranging from returning contestants like Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, to established politicians such as Femi Gbajabiamila, Mudashiru Obasa and Ambode, to younger technocrats like Hakeem Muri-Okunola and Senator Tokunbo Abiru.
The Lagos PDP remains fractured, while Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP), who made a strong showing in 2023, is reportedly being courted back into the PDP fold.
In Ogun, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s silence on succession has not stopped aspirants within the APC from positioning themselves. Ogun West, which has never produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1976, is mounting pressure for the ticket.
Top contenders include Senator Solomon Adeola, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and former envoy Sarafa Isola. However, political battles between Abiodun and former governor Gbenga Daniel could complicate the race.
The PDP’s Oladipupo Adebutu is also working underground for another attempt despite internal party cracks.
In Kwara, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq faces pressure to keep his pledge of zoning the governorship to Kwara North in 2027. Aspirants from the region, including Senator Sodiq Umar and Alhaji Tajudeen Audu, have declared interest.
Party leaders say the aspirants have agreed to unite behind whoever emerges as the candidate, while former Senate President Bukola Saraki remains a decisive figure for the PDP’s chances.
In Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde has promised to unveil his preferred successor by January 2026, sparking intense speculation.
PDP hopefuls include Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin and technocrat Adebo Akande, while APC is rallying around figures such as Power Minister Bayo Adelabu and FIRS chairman Zaccheus Adedeji.
In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s silence on succession has left the stage open for big names like Senator Aliyu Wadada and former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu. Both are seen as frontrunners for the APC’s ticket.
In Adamawa, former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s influence remains strong, but many of his associates have defected to ADC. Among them are Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani), ex-governor Jibrilla Bindow and Senator Abdulazeez Nyako, who are all eyeing 2027.
The PDP camp is also crowded with Secretary to the State Government Auwal Tukur, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, and Adamu Atiku Abubakar, son of the former vice president. APC’s direction will largely depend on National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who holds sway in the state.
In Bayelsa, arguments are intensifying over zoning, with Bayelsa East insisting it has not had a full term in office. Possible contenders include NDDC MD Samuel Ogbuku, former governor Timipre Sylva, and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.
In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia is facing early resistance from party rivals despite being only two years into his first term. Aspirants such as former attorney general Michael Aondoakaa and former chief of staff Terwase Orbunde are already consulting.