The aspirants, all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have already appeared before the party’s screening committee in Abuja as preparations for the primaries intensify.

Many of them are now expected to contest through direct primaries after attempts at consensus arrangements by some governors reportedly collapsed.

Party insiders who spoke to The Nation said the APC leadership stepped in to limit gubernatorial influence over the nomination process.

It was gathered that a Presidential Supervision Team advised the party to adopt direct primaries, particularly in states where consensus could not be reached.

The recommendation aligns with Section 87(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates direct primaries where aspirants fail to agree on a consensus candidate.

APC states identified as key flashpoints include Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, and Kano.

Several sitting governors are among those eyeing Senate seats in the next political cycle, including Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), and Babagana Zulum (Borno).

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, is also seeking a Senate ticket, making her the only outgoing deputy governor in the race.

Analysts say several of the governors may face difficult battles both in party primaries and the 2027 general elections.

In Ogun East, Governor Dapo Abiodun is expected to clash with Senator Gbenga Daniel for the APC ticket.

In Gombe, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is set for a crowded contest involving Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former Deputy Speaker Usman Bayero Nafada (NDC), and Mustapha Mohammed Aliyu (ADC).

In Kwara, Governor AbdulRazaq is expected to face opposition candidates possibly backed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule may battle former NDE Director-General Silas Agara for the APC ticket, with analysts predicting a tougher general election contest involving other parties.

A political source noted that Nasarawa presents a complex dynamic due to ethnic and religious factors in the senatorial district.

In Adamawa, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is expected to face strong opposition from ADC and NDC candidates.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed is also expected to contend with rivals from both the APC and ADC in his senatorial bid.

Meanwhile, Noimot Salako-Oyedele is expected to face stiff competition in Ogun West, with former Senator Gbolahan Dada and ex-Works Commissioner Olayiwola Taiwo also in the race for the APC ticket.

Party insiders who spoke to The Nation claimed the controversy stems from concerns that the governor may be pursuing multiple political ambitions simultaneously.

It was further gathered that the situation contributed to the failed move on Thursday to remove him as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.

A senior party source alleged that some APC governors believe Uzodimma is expanding his political influence too aggressively.

According to the source, “His colleagues feel he is overstretching his political reach. He is the PGF Chairman, a sitting governor, head of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, and is also eyeing a Senate seat with the ambition of eventually becoming Senate President.”

The source added that while many governors were reportedly displeased, they had to defer to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent his removal.

Meanwhile, pressure is said to be mounting within the APC for Uzodimma to clarify whether he intends to remain governor or contest for the Senate.

Another source alleged that political calculations are already underway in Imo State ahead of the National Assembly elections.

It was claimed that arrangements may have been made regarding leadership succession in the state, including alleged pressure on the deputy governor to step aside pending the elections.

The source further alleged that there are plans to install a preferred successor as governor and a relative as deputy if Uzodimma succeeds in moving to the Senate.

According to the claim, the alleged political strategy has been in discussion for about a year and was reportedly conceived during meetings abroad involving a former governor now serving as senator.

The source also linked the development to recent attempts to adjust Senate rules, suggesting it may be connected to concerns within the upper chamber about Uzodimma’s alleged political influence and future ambitions.