Nigeria is gearing up for another major political transition as several state governors prepare to leave office in 2027.
While many first-term governors will battle for another four years in the 2027 general elections, 10 governors are constitutionally barred from seeking re-election. They are completing their second consecutive terms.
Section 182(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution clearly states that a person is not qualified to contest for governor if they have already been elected to the office at two previous elections.
All 10 governors were first elected in 2019 and won second terms in 2023. They are expected to hand over to their successors on May 29, 2027.
An unusual case exists in Rivers State. Governor Siminalayi Fubara is only serving his first term but has already withdrawn from the governorship primary ahead of the 2027 election. If his position remains unchanged, he will also leave Government House in 2027.
Here are the Nigerian governors currently expected to bow out in 2027:
Babajide Sanwo-Olu — Lagos State
Babajide Sanwo-Olu took office on May 29, 2019, succeeding Akinwunmi Ambode. He secured a second term in 2023 and will complete eight years on May 29, 2027. Sanwo-Olu cannot seek a third consecutive term. The race to succeed him has already drawn several political figures from within and outside the ruling structure in Lagos.
Dapo Abiodun — Ogun State
Dapo Abiodun was first elected in 2019 and won re-election in 2023. His second term ends on May 29, 2027. As the succession battle heats up in Ogun, Abiodun has positioned himself for continued involvement in national politics after leaving office.
Seyi Makinde — Oyo State
Seyi Makinde became governor in 2019 and won a convincing re-election in 2023. Having served the maximum two terms, he will leave Agodi Government House on May 29, 2027. His impending departure has intensified the contest among several political figures eyeing the seat.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Kwara State
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq defeated the then-ruling PDP in 2019 and won re-election in 2023. By May 29, 2027, he would have governed Kwara for eight years and will no longer be eligible for another consecutive term. Reports suggest he is positioning for a possible Senate bid.
Abdullahi Sule — Nasarawa State
Abdullahi Sule was elected in 2019 and returned for a second term in 2023. His final term expires on May 29, 2027. The contest to replace him in Lafia has gained momentum, and Sule has been linked with a Senate bid after his governorship.
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri — Adamawa State
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri defeated incumbent Mohammed Bindow in 2019 and won another fiercely contested election in 2023. He will complete his two constitutionally allowed terms on May 29, 2027. Fintiri has been linked with a move to the National Assembly, particularly the Adamawa North senatorial seat.
Bala Mohammed — Bauchi State
Former FCT Minister Bala Mohammed became governor in 2019 after defeating Mohammed Abubakar and retained the seat in 2023. His second term ends in May 2027. Mohammed has been involved in political calculations over his next move after eight years in office.
Babagana Umara Zulum — Borno State
Professor Babagana Umara Zulum succeeded Kashim Shettima in 2019 and secured a commanding re-election victory in 2023. His second term ends on May 29, 2027. The succession contest is significant given Borno’s status as an important political stronghold in the North-East.
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya — Gombe State
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya was elected in 2019 and won another four years in 2023. His second term expires in May 2027, making him ineligible for another consecutive term. He is among the outgoing governors considering Senate seats.
Mai Mala Buni — Yobe State
Mai Mala Buni, a former APC National Secretary, was elected governor in 2019 and secured a second term in 2023. His tenure ends on May 29, 2027. Reports indicate interest in representing Yobe East in the Senate after leaving office.
Siminalayi Fubara — Rivers State
Unlike the others, Siminalayi Fubara was first elected in 2023 and remains constitutionally eligible for a second term. However, in May 2026 he announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary, citing consultations and the need for peace and stability in Rivers State. He pledged to support whoever emerges as his party’s candidate.
