As political activities gradually shift toward the 2027 general elections, succession battles are already gathering momentum across at least 10 states where incumbent governors are completing their constitutionally allowed two terms.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Mai Mala Buni, Babagana Zulum, Ahmadu Fintiri, Inuwa Yahaya, Abdullahi Sule, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are all in the final phase of their tenure, setting the stage for intense political maneuvering over who will take over in 2027.
Across the states, the succession race is already shaping into a high-stakes contest involving political heavyweights, technocrats, business leaders and party stalwarts positioning themselves ahead of party primaries.
Observers say the unfolding contests are far from routine transitions. Instead, they reflect deep political calculations driven by zoning arrangements, internal party rivalries, defections, and the decisive influence of outgoing governors.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
With the elections still months away, consultations and alliances have already intensified, as aspirants quietly build political structures across party lines.
In Lagos State, political calculations suggest that the decisive contest may occur within the ruling All Progressives Congress rather than between parties.
The state’s politics have long been influenced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who served as governor between 1999 and 2007 and continues to wield significant political influence.
Since 1999, governors in the state have emerged from Tinubu’s political structure, including Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the incumbent Sanwo-Olu.
Several aspirants have already signaled interest in the race.
Among them are Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, and Samuel Ajose.
Other influential figures being speculated to be interested include former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, Education Minister Tunji Alausa, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.
Political analysts believe that the eventual candidate of the APC will have a strong advantage in the election, given the party’s dominance in the state.
In Oyo State, the race to succeed Governor Makinde is already drawing a crowded field within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
Among those widely speculated to be interested are the Speaker of the state House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin, SUBEB chairman Nureni Adeniran, and Chief of Staff to the governor Segun Ogunwuyi.
Others include Debo Akande and former finance commissioner Bimbo Adekanmbi.
The opposition APC is also witnessing growing interest from political figures including the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and former Senate leader Teslim Folarin.
Observers say zoning considerations and religious balancing could influence the eventual outcome of the race.
In Ogun State, more than 10 politicians are already being mentioned as potential successors to Governor Abiodun.
Leading contenders within the APC include Solomon Adeola, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and Iyabo Obasanjo.
A key issue shaping the debate is the agitation for the governorship seat to rotate to Ogun West Senatorial District, which has never produced a governor since the creation of the state.
Opposition figures such as Ladi Adebutu are also preparing for the contest
Political activities are equally intensifying in Nasarawa State, Bauchi State, Yobe State, Borno State, Kwara State, Gombe State, and Adamawa State, where aspirants are quietly building alliances ahead of party primaries.
In many of the states, zoning arrangements, ethnic balancing and the influence of outgoing governors are expected to play decisive roles in determining who eventually emerges as candidates.
Political analysts say the months ahead will likely witness more defections, alliances and internal party negotiations as aspirants intensify consultations with key stakeholders.
With several states already witnessing crowded fields of aspirants, the race for succession is shaping up to be one of the defining political battles leading into the 2027 elections.
