As political discussions gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, attention is increasingly shifting to governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who will not return to office.

In this report, TVC News highlights those approaching the end of their constitutionally permitted tenure.

While some are already moving to endorse preferred successors, others appear to be waiting on party leadership to shape the direction of succession plans.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a Nigerian businessman and politician serving his second term as Governor of Kwara State and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Born February 5, 1960, in Zaria, Kaduna State, into the family of Northern Nigeria’s first lawyer, Alhaji A.G.F. AbdulRazaq (SAN).

He began his education in Kaduna and Ilorin, earned his WASC from Government College, Kaduna, and later completed executive management training in Oxford, England.

Before politics, he built a strong business career in the oil and gas sector, founding NOPA Oil Services, the first indigenous Nigerian company to export crude oil, and leading First Fuels Limited.

His interests also span agriculture, construction, IT, and real estate.

Politically, he rose to prominence after winning the 2019 governorship election, ending the long-standing Saraki political dominance in Kwara State under the APC’s “Otoge” movement.

Babagana Umara Zulum

Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, MNI, is the Governor of Borno State, serving his second term since May 29, 2023, under the APC.

Born on August 25, 1969, in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, Zulum holds a B.Eng. from the University of Maiduguri, an M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan, and a PhD in Soil and Water Engineering.

He built a distinguished career in both the civil service and academia, rising to the rank of Professor and serving as Rector of Ramat Polytechnic.

Governor Zulum entered politics in 2015 as the pioneer Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, and was first elected governor in 2019 before securing re-election in 2023.

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri

A Nigerian politician currently serving as the Governor of Adamawa State.

Born on October 27, 1967, in Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area, he received his early education in Gulak and Michika before earning a B.A. (Hons) in History in 1992 and a Post Graduate Diploma in Policy and Strategic Studies in 2004 from the University of Maiduguri.

Fintiri began his political career in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, where he rose through the ranks as Minority Whip, Deputy Speaker, and eventually Speaker.

During this period, he twice served as Acting Governor of the state, first in 2012 and again in 2014, following the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako. These experiences positioned him as a key political figure in the state.

He was elected Governor in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party, gaining recognition for infrastructure development, including the construction of flyovers and township roads, as well as education reforms such as free and compulsory schooling. His administration has also emphasised improvements in public services and urban development.

In a major political shift, Fintiri defected to the APC on February 27, 2026, citing the need to align Adamawa State with the federal government’s agenda under President Bola Tinubu.

He was formally received into the APC in March 2026, where he was recognised as the party leader in Adamawa State.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is a Nigerian politician and public administrator who has served as the 15th Governor of Lagos State since 29 May 2019 under the APC and was re-elected in March 2023.

Born June 25, 1965, in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu was educated at Government Demonstration School, Surulere, and Ijebu-Ife Grammar School.

He holds a BSc in Surveying and Geo-Informatics and an MBA from the University of Lagos, alongside executive training from London Business School, Lagos Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School.

Before politics, he started his career in banking and the private sector, holding senior roles at Lead Merchant Bank, UBA, and FCMB, and chairing private companies.

He entered public service in 2003 and served in several key Lagos State roles, including Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, and Managing Director of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).

Elected governor in 2019, Sanwo-Olu leads Lagos with the Project T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda, focusing on transportation, health, education, security, and economic development.

His administration has driven major infrastructure and transport reforms, strengthened governance, and pursued social initiatives.

Dapo Abiodun

Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, was sworn in as the Governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2019, and is serving his second term following his re-election in March 2023 on the platform of the APC.

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Born May 29, 1960, in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, he studied accounting at Kennesaw State University in the United States and also attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

Before politics, he began his career in the oil and gas sector, serving as Managing Director of Heyden Petroleum and founding First Power Limited.

He also chaired the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria.

Politically, Abiodun entered public life in 1998, later becoming a founding member of the PDP before joining the APC.

He won the governorship in 2019 and consolidated his leadership with a second-term victory in 2023.

His administration is driven by the ISEYA agenda—Infrastructure, Social welfare, Education, Youth empowerment, and Agriculture.

Douye Diri

Senator Douye Diri was elected as the Governor of Bayelsa State in 2020, and is currently serving his second term after re-election in November 2023 and inauguration on February 14, 2024.

Born June 4, 1959, in Sampou, Bayelsa State, he holds a National Certificate in Education and a B.Ed. in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt.

He began his career as a teacher and has extensive political experience, including roles as Executive Secretary of the Centre for Youth Development, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Deputy Chief of Staff, Principal Executive Secretary to Governor Seriake Dickson, member of the House of Representatives, and Senator for Bayelsa Central.

Governor Diri’s administration, known as the “Miracle Governor, emphasizes infrastructure, agriculture, and security. In 2026, he signed a ₦1.01 trillion budget focusing on works, education, and key projects such as a state secretariat complex, a stadium, and an independent power project.

Hope Uzodinma

Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, currently serving his second and final term since January 15, 2024, following re-election in November 2023 as the Governor of Imo State.

Born December 12, 1958, in Omuma, Oru West LGA, he holds a Bachelor’s in International Studies and Diplomacy from Washington University, St. Louis, an Advanced Diploma in Transport Studies from FUTO, a Master’s in Human Relations from UNN, and an Honorary Doctorate in Management from FUTO.

Before politics, he was a businessman in the oil and gas sector and later served two terms as Senator for Imo West (2011–2019), chairing the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise.

He became governor in 2020 after a Supreme Court ruling and is now nearing the end of his second term.

His administration emphasises the “3R” Initiative known as Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery, and the “Shared Prosperity” agenda.

He chairs the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) for APC governors.

Mala Buni

Mai Mala Buni, CON, is the Governor of Yobe State, serving his second and final term since May 29, 2019, after re-election in March 2023 on the APC platform.

Born on November 19, 1967, in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, he holds a B.Sc. in International Relations from Espan Formation University, Benin Republic, a Master’s in International Relations from Leeds Beckett University, and a Professional Diploma from the College of Vocational Science and Technology.

Before politics, he was a successful businessman in agriculture, petroleum, and logistics.

His political career began in 1991 as a councillor and later Speaker of the Gujba Local Government Council. He served in state advisory roles and held national party leadership positions, including APC National Secretary and Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee.

Governor Buni’s administration emphasises post-insurgency recovery and development through the “Budget of Economic Growth and Infrastructural Transformation.”

The ₦515.53 billion 2026 budget prioritises capital projects, infrastructure, health, social welfare, and security, including the completion of Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport and healthcare facilities.

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, CON, is the Governor of Gombe State, serving his second and final term since May 29, 2019, after re-election in March 2023 on the APC platform.

Born October 9, 1961, in Jekadefari, Gombe, he holds a B.Sc. in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is a fellow of professional bodies including ANAN and NIM.

He began his career in civil service, later managing his family business and serving as Commissioner for Finance from 2003 to 2010.

Governor Yahaya’s administration operates under the “Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM)”.

The ₦617.95 billion 2026 “Budget of Consolidation” allocates nearly 70% to capital projects, focusing on infrastructure (Network 11-100 roads), energy, security, and agricultural and forest reforms.