Nigeria’s political landscape is shifting, with a renewed focus on youth participation in governance—a movement that gained momentum following the enactment of the Not Too Young to Run law under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
This advocacy played a key role in the discourse leading up to the 2023 general election, with critics highlighting the advanced ages of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his main challenger, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. As both men signal their intentions to contest again in 2027—Atiku will be 80 and Tinubu 74—the conversation around youth leadership remains central.
Nigeria’s Youngest Governor: Ahmed Usman Ododo (Age 43)
According to recent data compiled by The Cable Index, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State is currently the youngest serving governor in Nigeria at 43. Ododo emerged victorious in the November 2023 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ododo’s emergence has reignited conversations about generational diversity in Nigerian leadership. While he represents a younger demographic, most Nigerian governors are in their late 50s to mid-60s, with a few exceeding 65.
List of Nigerian Governors and Their Ages (As of 2025):
Governor State Age
Ahmed Usman Ododo Kogi 43
Siminalayi Fubara Rivers 50
Francis Nwifuru Ebonyi 50
Mohammed Umar Bago Niger 51
Peter Mbah Enugu 53
Agbu Kefas Taraba 54
Dikko Umaru Radda Katsina 54
Uba Sani Kaduna 54
Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto 55
Monday Okpebholo Edo 55
Babagana Zulum Borno 55
Mai Mala Buni Yobe 57
Seyi Makinde Oyo 57
Biodun Oyebanji Ekiti 57
Ahmadu Fintiri Adamawa 58
Hyacinth Alia Benue 59
Dauda Lawal Zamfara 59
Nasir Idris Kebbi 59
Caleb Mutfwang Plateau 60
Lucky Aiyedatiwa Ondo 60
Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos 60
Alex Otti Abia 60
Umo Eno Akwa Ibom 61
Abba Kabir Yusuf Kano 62
Umar Namadi Jigawa 62
Sheriff Oborevwori Delta 62
Muhammad Yahaya Gombe 63
Ademola Adeleke Osun 65
Dapo Abiodun Ogun 65
Abdullahi Sule Nasarawa 65
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq Kwara 65
Bassey Otu Cross River 65
Charles Soludo Anambra 65
Hope Uzodinma Imo 66
Douye Diri Bayelsa 66
Bala Mohammed Bauchi 66
Political Realignments Ahead of 2027
With political strategies already forming for the 2027 general elections, generational shifts in leadership remain a top issue. Both Tinubu and Atiku have expressed intentions to run again, but pressure continues to mount for younger candidates to step forward.
Dino Melaye Resigns from PDP
In a related political development, former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye officially announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a letter dated July 4, 2025, addressed to the party’s chairman in Ward 1, Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State, Melaye cited the PDP’s failure to offer effective leadership and governance as the reason for his departure.
Melaye declared an immediate disengagement from all party activities, signaling a potential shift in his political path ahead of the 2027 elections.
