Winning a seat in the Senate or the House of Representatives is difficult, but staying there for 20 years is a rare feat.
This list highlights the Nigerian politicians who have mastered the art of winning elections, with some serving as many as seven consecutive terms.
Ahmad Lawan and Nicholas Mutu hold the record for the longest continuous service, having spent 27 years in the federal legislature as of 2026.
Leaders like Adamu Aliero and Danjuma Goje transitioned into the Senate after serving eight years as state governors.
These veterans come from all over Nigeria—from Ali Ndume in Borno to Enyinnaya Abaribe in Abia and Wole Oke in Osun.
Many of these lawmakers, like Muktar Betara and Idris Wase, have become influential "ranking members" who head powerful committees due to their long years of experience.
Below is the detailed list of legislators who have significantly shaped Nigeria's parliament over the years:
Sen. Ahmad Lawan: A member of the National Assembly since 1999.
Hon. Nicholas Mutu: Representing Bomadi/Patani (Delta), he has served in the House since 1999.
Sen. Ali Ndume: Has been a fixture in the National Assembly since 2003.
Hon. Alhassan Doguwa: Representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada (Kano); returned to parliament in 2007.
Sen. Mohammed Monguno: Representing Marte/Monguno/Nganzai (Borno); first elected in the early 90s and returned in the Fourth Republic.
Hon. Khadijat Bukar Abba-Ibrahim: Representing Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani/Tarmuwa (Yobe); in the House since 2007.
Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe: Representing Abia South; has been in the Senate since 2007.
Hon. Idris Wase: Representing Wase (Plateau); first elected in 2007.
Hon. Muktar Betara: Representing Biu/Bayo/Shani (Borno); a member since 2007.
Hon. Wole Oke: Representing Obokun/Oriade (Osun); first elected in 2003.
Sen. Adamu Aliero: Former Kebbi Governor; joined the Senate in 2007.
Sen. Adeola Olamilekan (Yayi): Currently representing Ogun West; first entered the House in 2011.
Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal: Representing Sokoto South; served in the House (2003–2015) before becoming Governor and returning to the Senate.
Sen. Danjuma Goje: Representing Gombe Central; elected to the Senate in 2011.
Sen. Ibrahim Gobir: Representing Sokoto East; has spent 15 years in the Senate since 2011.
Hon. Abbas Tajudeen: Speaker of the House (Zaria, Kaduna); first elected in 2011.
Hon. James Abiodun Faleke: Representing Ikeja (Lagos); in the House since 2011.
Hon. Kingsley Chinda: Representing Obio/Akpor (Rivers); elected to the House in 2011.
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