Ahead of the 2023 general elections approach, a number of serving governors are will be looking to make the popular movie from the Statehouse to the upper chamber of the National Assembly. The movement of governors to the Senate is now a norm in Nigerian politics as the state executives see the National Assembly as a retirement home. For some others, getting a seat in the red chambers keeps them relevant in both local and national politics. Here are some top shots:
1. Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State)
Dr. Okowa is a medical doctor turned politician. He is one of the shining lights of the Peoples Democratic Party. A decent politician and a perfect gentleman, he will most likely be returning to the Senate for the second time. Okowa was a member of the 7th Senate where he was the chairman of the Senate committee on health.
2. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enuhu State)
The Enugu state governor is not new to parliamentary politics as he was a former member of the House of Representatives. Due to his admirable performance in office, it is likely the people from his senatorial district will make a case for him to return to the National Assembly, that is if the governor does not seek a higher office.
3. Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano State)
The Kano state governor will be rounding up his second term in office in 2023. A Ph.D. holder, Ganduje has done well in infrastructural development, changing the face of a hitherto chaotic Kano city centre. The governor will likely leverage on his performance to push for a seat in the Nigerian Senate.
4. Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger State)
The Niger state governor will likely give the Nigerian Senate a shot in 2023. For Bello, age is still on his side and he still retains the goodwill that brought him to office, especially the support from the elders of the state who have a say in who gets what in the north-central state.
5. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State)
Abia state has not been fortunate with state executives since 1999 until Ikpeazu came in 2015 and began to gradually change the narrative with pro-poor policies and a huge focus on the state’s untapped commerce sector. Although some still refer to him as a rookie in politics, Ikpeazu is finishing strong and might end up being rewarded with a Senate seat.
6. Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom)
The banker-turned politician has proven to be a fantastic administrator, thorough professional, and an unrepentant technocrat changing the face of governance in Nigeria. In Akwa Ibom, Governor Emmanuel is on the lips of everyone. He is investing in a state with huge potentials and ensuring that the state is self-sustainable when he leaves office. A Senate seat in 2023 is likely for him.
