By Achile Danjuma
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet is poised for a significant shake-up as several ministers are reportedly preparing to resign in order to pursue gubernatorial ambitions in their home states. This exodus is mandated by the Electoral Act, which requires political appointees to step down before participating in party primaries.
At least four cabinet members are positioning themselves for state-level contests, particularly in states where incumbent governors will have completed their two-term constitutional limit by 2027. Those mentioned include the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
According to the timetable recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 22 and May 20, 2027.
Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) clearly stipulates that political appointees must resign before they can participate as delegates or aspirants in any party convention, congress, or primary. This provision applies to ministers, commissioners, special advisers, and all other political appointees at every level.
Barring any last-minute changes, Adebayo Adelabu is expected to resign his position in the coming weeks to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Oyo State governorship. This will be his third attempt at the position, having previously lost to incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 and 2023.
Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ran under the Accord Party platform in 2023 but has remained a central figure in Oyo State politics. His ambition was an open secret, with hints dropped during stakeholder engagements in late 2025. In October 2025, a viral video showed him formally declaring his intention, stating, “I have now paid my dues. I contested against Seyi (Makinde) in 2019. In 2023, I also contested against him… But in 2027, God has shown that it’s our turn.”
Confirming the minister’s intention, his aide, Femi Awogboro, told Saturday PUNCH that Adelabu is indeed contesting. “As of now, the President has not told Adelabu to resign… only the President can tell him to resign and until that, Adelabu continues to perform his functions, but he is definitely contesting for Oyo governorship seat,” Awogboro said.
He added that the minister would resign “at the appropriate time” and fully comply with all legal requirements, noting that Adelabu had previously demonstrated his readiness to relinquish high office by voluntarily resigning from the CBN in 2018 to pursue his political goals.
The Oyo State APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, confirmed that while no formal declarations have been made as the party process is yet to open, aspirants have begun grassroots consultations with party leaders and stakeholders.
In Bauchi State, indications have emerged of a potential heavyweight contest for the governorship ticket, with two cabinet members—Muhammad Pate and Yusuf Tuggar—both reportedly interested.
Pate, a native of Misau Local Government Area, is no stranger to the gubernatorial race. He previously contested in 2015 under the PDP, in 2019 under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and failed to secure the APC ticket in 2023. Recent political engagements and empowerment initiatives across the state have fueled speculation that he is preparing for another run.
Ibrahim Abdulhamid, Coordinator of the Pate Media Centre, stated that while not yet official, indications suggest Pate has acquiesced to pressure from supporters. “A team from Bauchi that has faith in his capabilities went all the way to Abuja and sought his participation… and he has accepted the contest,” Abdulhamid explained. Another supporter, Garo Misau, described Pate as “eminently qualified” for the position, citing his international reputation.
Similarly, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, from Gamawa Local Government Area, is believed to be eyeing the seat. Having contested the position before, he is said to have maintained active political engagements across the state.
His Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed the ambition to Saturday PUNCH, stating, “The minister is interested and aspires to run for the governorship seat of Bauchi State.” When asked about the timing of a resignation, Abdulkadir noted that Tuggar would strictly adhere to the rules and timelines set by INEC.
A supporter from the Tuggar Foundation, Ahmad Tilde, expressed confidence in Tuggar’s qualifications, adding that many in the state believe he has the capacity to govern effectively.
Fueling the speculation further, both Pate and Tuggar were sighted at the Bauchi State APC convention held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, is reportedly planning a return to familiar territory. Onyejeocha, who represented the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives for 16 years (2007–2023), is aiming to go back to the National Assembly.
A credible source close to the minister confirmed to PUNCH, “She was elected four times into the House of Rep and she wants to go back.” Attempts to reach Onyejeocha for official confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Amidst the speculation, INEC has dismissed a viral report claiming it had fixed March 26 as the deadline for public office holders to resign. In a public notice on Friday, the commission described the information and accompanying graphic circulating online as “false and misleading.”
INEC urged the public, media, and political stakeholders to disregard the fake announcement and rely only on information published on its official website and verified social media platforms.