Zamfara introduced sharia criminal law, saw the Supreme Court hand every 2019 seat to the party that came second, and has voted out two sitting governors. In 2027 Governor Dauda Lawal runs on the APC ticket.
Sokoto has seen an annulled election, a governorship cut short by the Supreme Court, a Speaker who became governor and switched parties, and in 2019 one of the narrowest wins in Nigerian history.
Kebbi has had four governors since 1999. One won his second term only after the Supreme Court annulled the first result; the current governor was national president of the teachers' union. In 2027 he faces a former Attorney-General.
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua governed Katsina before becoming President, and Muhammadu Buhari's home state swung to the APC with him in 2015. Every governorship result since 1999, and the 2027 race.
Kaduna has had six governors since 1999: one became Vice-President, one died in a helicopter crash and one lost his seat to Nasir El-Rufai. Its 2023 race was decided by less than one percentage point.
Jigawa has changed ruling party twice since 1999, each time with the national tide. In 2027 Governor Umar Namadi faces the son of former governor Sule Lamido for the second time.
