90 Senators, 9 Governors Enter Fierce Race For APC Senate Tickets Ahead Of 2027

The aspirants, all members of the APC, have already appeared before the party’s screening committee in Abuja as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Sources told The Nation that many of the contenders are now likely to face direct primaries after attempts to secure consensus candidates in several states reportedly collapsed.

Party insiders also said the APC leadership moved to restrict undue influence from governors in the nomination process.

It was further gathered that the Presidential Supervision Team recommended the use of direct primaries in states where consensus agreements failed to hold, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The Act states that where consensus cannot be reached among cleared aspirants, political parties must adopt direct primaries to select their candidates.

States identified as potential flashpoints include Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, and Kano.

Governors eyeing Senate seats

Several sitting governors are among those seeking Senate tickets, including Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Mai Mala Buni, Dapo Abiodun, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Hope Uzodimma, Ahmadu Fintiri, Bala Mohammed, Abdullahi Sule, and Babagana Zulum.

The only outgoing deputy governor in the race is Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who is also seeking a Senate seat.

Tough primaries expected

Several of the governors are expected to face stiff resistance both within their parties and at the general elections.

In Ogun East, Governor Abiodun may clash with Senator Gbenga Daniel for the APC ticket.

In Gombe, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is expected to battle former governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, alongside other strong contenders from opposition parties.

In Kwara, Governor AbdulRazaq may face a difficult contest against PDP-backed challengers aligned with former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Nasarawa, Adamawa and Bauchi hotspots

In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule could face strong opposition from Silas Agara in the primaries, and potentially from other party candidates in the general election.

In Adamawa, Governor Fintiri is expected to face contenders from both the ADC and NDC.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed is also projected to have a competitive race for the Bauchi South Senatorial seat against APC and ADC rivals.

Meanwhile, in Ogun West, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele is expected to contend with strong opponents including former Senator Gbolahan Dada and former commissioner Olayiwola Taiwo.