The race for the 109 seats in the Nigerian Senate is officially underway. With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releasing its final candidate list, political parties and their flagbearers now know exactly who they are up against ahead of the February 2027 general elections.

This is not just another election cycle—it is shaping up to be one of the most competitive legislative battles in Nigeria’s political history. Outgoing governors, serving and former lawmakers, party leaders, and ambitious political newcomers are all vying for a spot in the upcoming 10th National Assembly.

Here is a breakdown of the key figures, major matchups, and notable political battles taking place across the geopolitical zones.

The “Governors’ Club” Making a Senate Push

Several sitting governors who are wrapping up their terms in 2027 are taking the classic Nigerian political route: transitioning from the government house directly to the Senate.

Key governors vying for red-chamber seats include:

• Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa North – APC)
• Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi South – APM)
• Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo West – APC)
• Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun East – APC)
• Governor Mai Mala Buni (Yobe East – APC)
• Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara Central – APC)
• Governor Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa North – APC)

Heavyweight Showdowns: Ex-Governors and Political Giants

Beyond sitting governors, former state executives and party bigweights are jumping into high-stakes contests in their home districts:

Matchups Across the Geopolitical Zones

South East

• Abia State: Former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu (APC) defends his Abia North seat against Godswill Okoronkwo (ADC) and Ndukwe Nkole (NDC). In Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe (LP) faces a crowded field including Paul Ikonne (APC) and Chinyere Onuoha (PDP).
• Anambra State: Anambra Central features a battle between Uche Ekwunife (APC) and Victor Umeh (NDC).
• Enugu & Ebonyi: Fast-rising candidates across the APC, PDP, ADC, and NDC are competing for dominance in both states.

South West

• Lagos State: Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun (Lagos Central), Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), and Idiat Oluranti Adebule (Lagos West) are leading the APC defense against candidates from the PDP, NDC, and ADC.
• Ekiti State: Top principal officers, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), are seeking return tickets.
• Ondo & Osun: Multi-party races are taking shape, featuring candidates from the APC, PDP, NDC, ADC, and Accord Party.

North West & North East

• Kano State: Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC) faces Sanusi Danbatta (NDC) in Kano North, while former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau (APC) tackles Nasiru Gawuna (NDC) in Kano Central.
• Kaduna State: Former Governor Ramalan Yero (APC) enters the Kaduna North race, alongside a contest in Kaduna Central featuring Shehu Sani (APC).
• Borno State: Longtime legislator Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Tahir Monguno (Borno North) represent the APC against PDP and NDC challengers.

North Central & South South

• Benue State: Emmanuel Udende (Benue North East) and Titus Zam (Benue North West) defend APC seats against formidable NDC and PDP candidates, including Eunice Ortom (PDP).
• Rivers State: Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East) and Amechi Felix Obuah (Rivers West) headline APC tickets in a deeply competitive landscape.
• Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Philip Aduda (APC) faces incumbent Ireti Kingibe (ADC) alongside Amanda Austen Peters-Pam (NDC) and Bako Angulu (PDP).