With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, attention is turning to a group of veteran federal lawmakers whose long years in the National Assembly could place them in strong contention for influential positions if they secure fresh mandates.
The spotlight is on lawmakers who have remained in either the Senate or the House of Representatives through repeated electoral victories, and in some cases have moved from one chamber to the other since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Current National Assembly records show that Ahmad Lawan remains senator for Yobe North, Abbas Tajudeen is Speaker of the House, Adeola Olamilekan represents Ogun West in the Senate, and Kingsley Chinda serves as House Minority Leader.
Political observers say such longevity often gives returning lawmakers an advantage in the contest for principal offices, committee leadership and other strategic parliamentary responsibilities. As campaigns begin to gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, the following lawmakers are widely seen as possible ranking figures should they return in 2027.
Among them is Senator Ahmad Lawan, who is seeking to extend a parliamentary career that began in the House of Representatives in 1999 before his move to the Senate in 2007. He is followed by Nicholas Mutu, the Delta lawmaker who has represented Bomadi and Patani Federal Constituency since 1999.
Also on the list is Senator Ali Ndume, who first served in the House before moving to the Senate, and Alhassan Doguwa, a familiar figure from Kano with multiple terms in the green chamber. Senator Mohammed Monguno, another long serving legislator from Borno, also features prominently among those considered well placed for major responsibilities.
The roll call also includes Khadijat Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Idris Wase, Muktar Betara and Wole Oke, all of whom have spent two decades in the federal legislature and remain influential figures within their parties and caucuses.
Others identified as strong contenders for senior parliamentary relevance are Adamu Aliero, Adeola Olamilekan, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Danjuma Goje, Ibrahim Gobir, Abbas Tajudeen, James Abiodun Faleke and Kingsley Chinda, each with about 16 years in the National Assembly or more.
The 18 lawmakers highlighted are:
- Senator Ahmad Lawan, Yobe North, seven terms, 28 years.
- Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Bomadi and Patani Federal Constituency, seven terms, 28 years.
- Senator Ali Ndume, Borno South, six terms, 24 years.
- Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, Doguwa and Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, six terms, 24 years.
- Senator Mohammed Monguno, Borno North, six terms, 24 years.
- Hon. Khadijat Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani and Tarmuwa Federal Constituency, five terms, 20 years.
- Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia South, five terms, 20 years.
- Hon. Idris Wase, Wase Federal Constituency, five terms, 20 years.
- Hon. Muktar Betara, Biu, Bayo, Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency, five terms, 20 years.
- Hon. Wole Oke, Obokun and Oriade Federal Constituency, five terms, 20 years.
- Senator Adamu Aliero, Kebbi Central, four terms, 16 years.
- Senator Adeola Olamilekan, Ogun West, four terms, 16 years.
- Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Sokoto South, four terms, 16 years.
- Senator Danjuma Goje, Gombe Central, four terms, 16 years.
- Senator Ibrahim Gobir, Sokoto East, four terms, 16 years.
- Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Zaria Federal Constituency, four terms, 16 years.
- Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Ikeja Federal Constituency, four terms, 16 years.
- Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Obio and Akpor Federal Constituency, four terms, 16 years.
Their continued relevance will depend first on party nominations and then on voter support in 2027. Yet if they return, their experience and ranking status could make them central figures in the contest for leadership and committee influence in the next National Assembly.
