By Achile Danjuma
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has firmly refuted circulating rumours that he plans to resign his cabinet position to contest in the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
Dr. Alausa took to his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday to directly address and dismiss the speculation. In a post tagging the originator of the claim, he stated unequivocally, “We’re still hard at work here at the FME, don’t believe the rumours.”
His denial was swiftly reinforced by the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun. Mr. Olusegun countered the claim by sharing a video of Dr. Alausa actively participating in the Federal Executive Council meeting, captioning it, “Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa currently at the Federal Executive Council Meeting.”
The rumours began circulating following a post on X by Imran Muhammad, a self-described APC supporter. Mr. Muhammad had alleged, citing an unnamed source, that the minister “may resign in order to pursue his Lagos State governorship ambition.” He noted the convention that requires public officeholders to step down before actively campaigning for a different elective position.
This post ignited discussions online, fueled by intensifying political realignments and speculation ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election in Lagos State. Dr. Alausa’s name has been mentioned among a list of potential contenders for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, which also includes Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Seyi Tinubu.
Dr. Alausa was appointed Minister of Education on October 23, 2024, following a cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu. Prior to this, he served as the Minister of State for Health.