Odita Sunday 
By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja
As the All Progressives Congress, APC, screening of governorship and senatorial aspirants draws to a close, candidates have expressed satisfaction with the exercise, describing the process as democratic, transparent and thorough.
However, political realignments are beginning to emerge within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, with no fewer than five outgoing governors seeking seats in the Senate after completing their second terms in office.
The governors include Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
Party sources say the governors have submitted their expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the APC senatorial primaries scheduled for May 18.
In some states, the governors appear to enjoy strong backing from party stakeholders and incumbent lawmakers. In Adamawa North, Senator Amos Yohanna has withdrawn from the race in support of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, saying the decision was taken in the interest of the constituency.
Governor Mai Mala Buni is also expected to emerge unopposed for the Yobe East Senatorial ticket after incumbent Senator Musa Mustapha reportedly stepped aside in support of the governor’s ambition.
In Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is considered a strong contender for the Kwara Central seat, as the incumbent senator, Salihu Mustapha, is pursuing the governorship ticket.
However, the situation in Ogun East appears more competitive, with Governor Dapo Abiodun expected to face a tough primary contest against former governor and incumbent senator, Gbenga Daniel.
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule is seeking to occupy the Nasarawa North senatorial seat left vacant following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki in December last year.
Meanwhile, preparations are also underway for the APC presidential primary scheduled for May 23, with President Bola Tinubu and Edo businessman, Osifo Stanley, currently the only aspirants in the race.
Out of 17 first-term APC governors, 13 have successfully cleared the path for unopposed returns.
The “safe” governors who are set for “affirmation exercises” rather than competitive primaries include: Umo Bassey Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sherif Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Enugu), Umar Namadi (Jigawa) and Uba Sani (Kaduna).
Other are Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Nasir Idris (Kebbi) Umar Mohammed Bago (Niger), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara
Records from nomination form Collection/Submission secretariat showed that the competition is fiercest in Kwara State, which boasts the highest number of contenders with 15 aspirants jostling for the ticket.
Other high-interest states include: Adamawa with 8 aspirants, Oyo and Yobe 6 aspirants each, Bauchi and Nasarawa 5 aspirants each, Abia and Taraba states 4 aspirants each, Gombe and Lagos 3 aspirants each while Borno and Ogun have 2 aspirants each.
Across the states, governorship contests are also gathering momentum, with more than 80 aspirants vying for APC tickets in 28 states.
While several first-term governors are expected to secure automatic returns through consensus arrangements, some aspirants in states including Benue, Yobe and Nasarawa have rejected consensus plans and demanded direct primaries.
However, the fate of Governor Simnalaye Fubara remains unknown as he arrived Plateau Governors lodge and left immediately without speaking to the press.
The developments underscore growing political activity within the ruling party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
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