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By Lizzy Chirkpi
As political manoeuvring quietly intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, at least 10 members of the 10th House of Representatives are believed to be positioning themselves for governorship contests in their respective states.
Investigations by Pointblanknews.com across party structures and political circles indicate that several lawmakers are already building alliances, strengthening relationships with grassroots networks and consulting key stakeholders, even though many have yet to formally declare their ambitions.
For many of them, the calculation is simple. A number of incumbent governors will complete their constitutionally allowed two terms in 2027, creating open contests in several states. For federal lawmakers with strong political bases, the transition from the National Assembly to state government houses has become an attractive next step.
However, most of the aspirants are proceeding cautiously. Party insiders say many prefer to keep their plans quiet for now in order to avoid political friction with sitting governors or influential party leaders whose support will be crucial when the race fully opens.
Benjamin Kalu
One of the most visible figures linked to a future governorship race is Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State. Kalu rose to national prominence after emerging as the number six citizen in the current National Assembly and has since become one of the most influential voices in the House. Kalu who is currently serving his second term in the House is building a formidable political profile and strong connections within the ruling party (All Progressives Congress), fuelling speculations that he may eventually seek the governorship of Abia State.
Kingsley Chinda
In Rivers State, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda (PDP) is widely mentioned among potential governorship contenders. Chinda, a seasoned legislator representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, is known for his deep influence within the opposition ranks in the House. He maintains a very close relationship with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike which places him in a strategic position as political alignments in Rivers evolve ahead of 2027.
Chinda is currently serving his fourth term in the House. Before his time in the National Assembly, he served as the Rivers State Commissioner for Environment (2007–2010).
Alhassan Ado Doguwa
In Kano State, veteran lawmaker Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC) remains one of the most powerful figures in the state’s political space. Representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Doguwa has spent years in the National Assembly and previously served as Majority Leader. He is serving a 6th term in the 10th House and the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream).
His long political career and deep grassroots connections continue to place him among possible contenders for Kano’s top office.
James Abiodun Faleke
Another lawmaker frequently mentioned in governorship calculations is James Faleke (APC), the chairman of the House Committee on Finance. He is currently serving his fourth consecutive term in the House of Representatives. Although he currently represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Faleke’s political history in Kogi State keeps him relevant in discussions about the state’s future leadership. He was the deputy governorship candidate in Kogi during the dramatic 2015 election cycle and has remained influential in the state’s politics since then.
Abdulmumini Jibrin
Also in Kano, Abdulmumin Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency is serving a third term.
He initially won re-election for a 3rd term in 2019, but his election was nullified by the Court of Appeal. He subsequently lost the re-run in January 2020 to Aliyu Yako of the PDP. Although in the 10th House, he returned under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He is the Chairman, Committee on Housing and Habitat (Current 10th Assembly).
Jibrin is often mentioned in conversations about the state’s political future. Known for his strategic political moves and strong media presence, Jibrin has maintained significant influence within the political space and is widely regarded as one of the state’s emerging power brokers.
Muktar Tolani Shagaya
In Kwara State, young legislator Muktar Shagaya is currently serving his first term in the House of Representatives. He was elected in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the APC.
Prior to his election, he worked in the private sector, notably as an executive director at Asolar Systems Nigeria Limited. In the current assembly, he serves as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services.
He is gradually building a reputation as one of the state’s rising political figures. Representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Shagaya comes from a well known political family and has become increasingly visible in state politics. He believes he could emerge as a serious governorship contender.
Leke Abejide
Another name frequently mentioned in Kogi State politics is Leke Abejide (ADC), who represents Yagba Federal Constituency. Abejide previously contested the governorship election in the state and has remained a significant figure within the opposition. He currently serving his second consecutive term in the House of Representatives. He has been a prominent figure in the House Committee on Customs and Excise. He initially served as the Vice Chairman in the 9th Assembly before being elevated to the Chairman of the Committee in 2021 following the passing of the substantive chairman. He continues to chair this committee in the 10th Assembly.
His continued grassroots mobilisation suggests he may again be a factor in the next electoral cycle.
Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide
In Oyo State, Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide (often referred to as “Odidiomo”) is currently serving his second consecutive term in the House of Representatives. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is well-known in his constituency for his focus on youth empowerment and human capital development.
Nonetheless, he has already made his ambition public. The lawmaker representing Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West Federal Constituency has openly declared his intention to run for governor in 2027. Olajide has said his vision is to build on the developmental strides recorded by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Gboyega Isiaka
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (often referred to as GNI) is currently serving his first term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), He represents Imeko Afon/Yewa North Federal Constituency, is widely believed to be preparing for a governorship contest. Isiaka has previously run for governor and remains a strong political figure in Ogun politics. With Governor Dapo Abiodun expected to complete his second term in 2027, the political dynamics seems to be be in his favour as the race for succession in the state is already taking shape.
Across the country, there is a growing interest among federal lawmakers to broaden their political tentacles. As governorship seats open up in several states, members of the National Assembly are increasingly positioning themselves as natural successors.
While the formal campaigns may still be some distance away, consultations, political networking and grassroots mobilisation have already begun. For many of the lawmakers quietly preparing for the next political cycle, the journey from the green chamber to their state government houses may already be underway.