Fresh political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections have placed the return ambitions of several serving senators under serious threat as governors, former governors and influential political figures intensify moves to secure seats in the National Assembly.
Findings by Sunday PUNCH revealed that no fewer than 45 per cent of current senators may struggle to retain their tickets amid growing battles over party structures, zoning arrangements and alleged candidate imposition across major political parties.
The development has heightened tension, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress, where several governors expected to complete their second terms in 2027 are already positioning themselves for senatorial seats.
Among lawmakers reportedly facing uncertain political futures are Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), Suleiman Sadiq (Kwara North), Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North), Tahir Monguno, Kaka Lawan, Sarafadeen Alli, Abdulfatah Buhari, Aliyu Ahmed and Buba Umar Shehu.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of Ondo South is also expected to vacate the chamber following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Other senators believed to be battling difficult re-election prospects include Ireti Kingibe, Lawal Usman, Khalid Mustapha, Gbenga Daniel, Kelvin Chukwu, Abba Moro, Emmanuel Udende, Titus Zam, Ned Nwoko and Peter Ndalikali.
Political pressure is said to be mounting against Kingibe in the Federal Capital Territory amid reports that allies of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, are backing former senator Philip Aduda for the seat.
In Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is also facing increasing pressure as former governor Yahaya Bello is reportedly mobilising support to reclaim the district for the APC.
The emerging political contest comes shortly after the Senate reversed controversial amendments to its Standing Orders which sought to restrict first-term senators from contesting principal offices in the upper chamber.
The proposed amendments to Orders 4 and 5 had required lawmakers seeking Senate leadership positions to have served at least two consecutive terms, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to prevent incoming governors and former governors from contesting key positions in 2027.
The reversal reportedly followed mounting opposition from political stakeholders, especially governors nearing the end of their tenure.
Among governors rumoured to be eyeing Senate seats are AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Abdullahi Sule, Ahmadu Fintiri, Babagana Zulum, Muhammadu Yahaya, Mai Mala Buni, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed.
Although Governors Douye Diri and Hope Uzodimma are expected to leave office in 2028 due to off-cycle elections, both have also been linked with senatorial ambitions.
In Imo State, the APC leadership is reportedly backing Uzodimma for the Imo West seat despite the interests of incumbent Senator Osita Izunaso and former governor Rochas Okorocha.
Similarly, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s reported interest in Ogun East may trigger a fierce political battle with incumbent senator Gbenga Daniel.
In Gombe, indications emerged that former governor Danjuma Goje may not secure support for a fifth Senate term following a zoning arrangement favouring a candidate loyal to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
In Yobe State, Senator Musa Mustapha was said to have stepped aside after APC stakeholders endorsed Governor Mai Mala Buni for the Yobe East senatorial ticket, while Governor Abdullahi Sule reportedly emerged as the consensus candidate for Nasarawa North.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is also believed to have secured backing for Adamawa North ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile, political manoeuvring has intensified in Delta State, where former governor Ifeanyi Okowa is reportedly being positioned to challenge Senator Ned Nwoko for the Delta North seat.
Several former senators are equally plotting returns to the National Assembly.
Those said to be preparing comeback bids include former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Bala Na’Allah, Tolu Odeseyi, Victor Pam, Ben Murray-Bruce, Shehu Sani and Ayo Arise.
Commenting on the development, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, said the party would not adopt imposition or consensus arrangements.
He stated that the NDC intended to provide a level playing field for aspirants, adding that many politicians were defecting from the APC and other parties over fears of manipulation and unfair primaries.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure aspirants do not feel cheated, even though it is impossible to satisfy everyone,” he said.
Also reacting, the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Yusuf Bala, warned against attempts to create what he described as a one-party state.
According to him, opposition parties were already preparing to field credible candidates capable of challenging those of the ruling APC in 2027.
Bala also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure fairness and create equal opportunities for all political parties during the elections.
On his part, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Ken Asogwa, dismissed claims that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe could lose his seat in Abia State.
He said Abaribe remained politically strong in the state and continued to enjoy the backing of the governor and the Labour Party structure.
Asogwa added that the party had learned lessons from previous elections and would prioritise loyal and credible candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.
The current composition of the Senate comprises 87 APC senators, eight from the ADC, four PDP lawmakers, three from the NDC, and one each from APGA, Labour Party and Accord Party, while four seats remain vacant.