Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have begun strategic moves to consolidate control of the party’s structures ahead of upcoming ward congresses, amid emerging plans that could influence the leadership of the 11th National Assembly in 2027.
Multiple party sources told ENigeria Newspaper that the quiet coordination is designed to position the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the presidency of the Senate when the next Assembly is inaugurated in June 2027.
At the heart of the strategy, insiders say, is the broader objective of influencing the composition and leadership of the 11th Senate. While it remains unclear whether President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the governors’ approach, discussions are said to be ongoing within party and presidential circles.
A credible source within the presidency described the move as a calculated effort by second-term governors to secure a political landing in the Senate after completing their constitutionally mandated eight years in office. According to the source, many outgoing governors have already reached an understanding with the party’s national leadership to pursue Senate seats.
However, the plan may face resistance. Another source suggested that the presidency is wary of granting governors sweeping influence over National Assembly nominations. Lawmakers, it was said, are expected to work directly with the President, while governors are being encouraged to focus on their respective State Assemblies.
The caution stems partly from past tensions, including disagreements during deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills, when some governors reportedly directed federal lawmakers from their states on how to vote. That episode, insiders say, has made the presidency reluctant to cede significant control over legislative tickets.
Governor Uzodimma, who was re-elected in November 2023 for a second term, is said to be considering seeking a senatorial ticket while still in office — a move not prohibited by law. One option available to him, according to sources, would be to resign as governor if he secures the party’s senatorial nomination and focus fully on contesting for Senate President, with the backing of his colleagues.
If he returns to the Senate, Uzodimma would qualify as a ranking lawmaker, having previously served as senator from 2011 to 2019 before winning the governorship.
Reacting to the reports, Uzodimma said he was unaware of any coordinated effort by his fellow governors to promote him for Senate President but welcomed the speculation.
“You have just informed me; however, I receive this prophecy with an open mind. This is good tidings,” he said through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Oguwike Nwachuku.
“If my colleagues are thinking about me in this respect, this goes to show the level of cordial relationship among us, and I commend their sense of reasoning.”
He added, “The feelings are relative; everyone feels elated when mentioned in a good light.”
On allegations that governors are attempting to hijack the party structure ahead of the congresses, Uzodimma dismissed the claim, stressing that the APC remains guided by established rules and internal discipline.
“The APC is about to kick-start the process of party congresses and primaries,” he said. “We are working assiduously for credible and transparent primaries and congresses. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it.”
Since 2007, the Senate has increasingly become a destination for governors completing their second terms, a trend that appears set to continue as political alignments for 2027 gradually take shape.
