As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, several governors are currently serving their second and final four-year terms.
These individuals were first elected in 2019 and secured re-election in 2023, making them ineligible to run for the same office again due to constitutional term limits.
Here is a list of the prominent governors who will be completing their final tenure in 2027:
Governors Finishing Final Terms in 2027
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State): First elected in 2019, Sanwo-Olu is serving his final term as the governor of Nigeria’s commercial hub.
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Seyi Makinde (Oyo State): The only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor in the South-West to win re-election in 2023, he will step down in 2027.
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Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State): Having secured a second term in a tightly contested 2023 race, Abiodun is now on his final stretch.
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AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara State): The current Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) will conclude his eight-year leadership in 2027.
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Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State): After surviving a highly controversial supplementary election in 2023, Fintiri is serving his last term.
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Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State): The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum is also among those who will be vacating their seats.
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Babagana Zulum (Borno State): Widely praised for his hands-on approach to security, Zulum is in his final four years as governor.
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Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe State): First elected in 2019, he successfully defended his seat in 2023 and is now on his final tenure.
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Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State): Having won his re-election bid, Sule will complete his constitutional two terms in 2027.
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Mai Mala Buni (Yobe State): The former APC Caretaker Chairman is also serving his concluding term.
The “Succession Firestorm”
The departure of these 10 heavyweights is already creating what political analysts call a “succession firestorm.” Because these seats will be vacant (no incumbent running), the 2027 governorship races in these states are expected to be much more intense.
Political parties are already witnessing internal battles as aspirants begin early positioning to take over the mantle of leadership. This transition is a major reason why the 2027 elections are described as a “significant shift in the state’s political landscape.”
