While 10 governors are preparing to exit in 2027, there are 18 governors currently in their first term who are eligible to seek a second-term ticket.
As of April 2026, these governors are facing what political insiders call a “scramble for elective positions,” as ambitious rivals within their own parties and powerful federal ministers are already beginning early positioning to challenge them.
The “Class of 2023” Seeking Re-election in 2027
South-East
In the South-East, the race for the 2027 ticket involves Alex Otti of Abia State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State. These leaders are working to solidify their hold on their respective states amidst shifting political alignments.
South-South
The South-South region is a major hotspot, featuring Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. The political climate here is particularly charged, with many eyes on how these incumbents will navigate internal party dynamics.
North-West
The North-West has the largest concentration of first-term governors seeking re-election, including Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
North-East
In the North-East, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State stands as the primary first-term governor eligible to contest for a second term in 2027.
North-Central
The North-Central region features a diverse group of incumbents, including Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State.
High-Profile “Ticket Wars” to Watch
The race for the 2027 ticket is not guaranteed for some of these incumbents due to a “significant shift in the state’s political landscape.”
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Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers): Currently engaged in a massive political rift that has turned the state into a theater of “internal party battles.” His path to the 2027 ticket is considered one of the most difficult in the country.
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Hyacinth Alia (Benue): Facing significant friction with his party leadership, leading to rumors of a “gale of defections” as he looks for a secure platform for his second-term bid.
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Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano): Following his move from the NNPP, he has reportedly “officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC)” in early 2026 to stabilize his political future, though the move continues to “spark reactions” across the state.
