Is the Senate Now an Association of Ex-governors?(Umuaka Times editorial).

A growing wave of speculation ahead of the 2027 elections suggests that several serving and former governors are either preparing to move to the Nigerian Senate or return to the Red Chamber after completing their governorship tenures. Political observers say the development is raising serious concerns about whether the Senate is gradually becoming a retirement home for former governors rather than a chamber for fresh ideas and grassroots representation.

Among the names being linked with Senate ambitions are:

– Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq of Kwara State (APC)

– Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State (APC)

– Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State (APC)

– Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State (APC)

– Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State (APC)

– Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State (PDP)

– Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State (PDP)

– Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State (APC)

Also reportedly eyeing Senate returns are:

– Former Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (APC)

– Former Governor Danjuma Goje of Gombe State (APC)

– Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State (APC)

– Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State (APC)

– Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State (PDP)

– Former Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State (APC)

– Former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (PDP)

– Former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State (APC)

– Former Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State (PDP)

– Former Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State (PDP)

– Former Governor AdamuAliero of Kebbi State (PDP)

– Former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara State (APC)

– Former Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State (APC)

– Former Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State (APC)

The development has triggered heated debates across the country.

“Is the Nigerian Senate now an association of former governors?” an anonymous political analyst asked. “Why do so many governors finish their tenure and immediately head to the Senate instead of allowing new voices to emerge?”

The source further questioned why anti-corruption agencies appear silent whenever many of these politicians seek new offices after leaving power.

“Nigerians deserve answers. Several of these former governors faced public accusations, probes, controversies, or questions over their stewardship while in office. So where is the EFCC? Why does accountability suddenly disappear once political realignments begin?” the source asked.

The analyst also urged Nigerians to resist what he described as the “recycling of political power.”

“Our democracy cannot grow if the same political elite continue moving from Government House to the Senate without a break. Nigerians must begin to ask tougher questions about performance, transparency, and accountability before voting.”
While many of the politicians mentioned have not formally declared their Senate ambitions, discussions within party circles and political camps continue to fuel speculation ahead of the next election cycle.