2027: Four ministers set to exit Tinubu’s cabinet

At least four ministers in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu may resign their positions as political activities begin to build toward the 2027 general elections.

The possible resignations are linked to plans by some members of the Federal Executive Council to contest elections in their respective states when the next electoral cycle begins.

Information gathered indicates that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha are among those considering leaving the cabinet to pursue political ambitions.

The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission released a revised timetable for the 2027 elections. According to the schedule, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April 22 and May 20.

The law requires public office holders appointed into government positions to resign before they can participate in party primaries as aspirants or delegates.

The Electoral Act provides that political appointees are not permitted to take part in conventions, congresses or primaries organised by political parties for the purpose of choosing candidates unless they have first stepped down from their government roles.

This rule affects ministers, commissioners, special advisers and other appointed officials.

One of the ministers widely expected to resign is Adebayo Adelabu, who is believed to be preparing for another attempt at the Oyo State governorship seat under the All Progressives Congress.

Adelabu had previously contested the governorship election in the state but lost to the current governor, Seyi Makinde, during earlier election cycles.

Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has remained active in the political landscape of Oyo State. His past statements and political activities have strengthened speculation that he intends to seek the governorship ticket again ahead of the 2027 election.

An aide to the minister confirmed that Adelabu plans to run for governor but explained that only the President has the authority to ask him to leave his position.

The aide stated that the minister continues to perform his duties and will resign at the proper time if he decides to proceed with the political ambition.

The aide also explained that Adelabu has previously stepped down from a high public office when necessary, recalling his resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2018 when he first pursued political ambitions.

Officials of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State said the party has not yet begun the official process for declaring interest in the 2027 election. According to party leaders in the state, members with ambitions are currently expected to focus on consultations with stakeholders and supporters at the grassroots level.

Beyond Oyo State, political discussions have also centred on Bauchi State, where two ministers are believed to be considering the governorship race.

Muhammad Pate and Yusuf Tuggar are both linked to possible bids for the position in the state.

Pate has previously shown interest in the Bauchi governorship seat during earlier elections. Over the years, he has participated in different political contests and has remained active in public engagement within the state.

His recent activities, including programmes focused on youth empowerment and employment, have further strengthened reports that he may join the next governorship race.

Supporters of the minister have reportedly encouraged him to contest again. Some residents and political supporters from Bauchi State are said to have visited him in Abuja to urge him to participate in the election.

Yusuf Tuggar, who currently serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, is also believed to be considering a run for the Bauchi governorship. Tuggar has previously contested for the same position and continues to maintain political connections across the state.

A media adviser to the minister confirmed that Tuggar has an interest in contesting for the governorship seat and would follow the timetable and guidelines provided by the electoral commission.

Political observers in Bauchi have also pointed to recent political gatherings attended by both Pate and Tuggar as signs that preparations for the race may already be underway.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, is believed to be considering a return to the National Assembly. Onyejeocha previously served for sixteen years in the House of Representatives where she represented the Isuikwuato and Umunneochi federal constituency in Abia State.

Sources familiar with political discussions in the state said she may seek election again to the federal legislature after serving in the current administration.

However, attempts to obtain her response to the reports were unsuccessful.

Amid the growing speculation, the Independent National Electoral Commission also reacted to reports circulating online about a deadline for ministers to resign their positions before contesting elections.

The electoral body stated that it did not issue any directive setting March 26 as a resignation deadline for political appointees.

The commission clarified that the message circulating online did not originate from it and described the information as false. It advised the public and political stakeholders to rely only on official announcements released through its verified channels.

In a separate development related to political preparations for 2027, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde asked political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elections to openly declare their ambitions. He made the remark during a government-organised Ramadan gathering in Ibadan.

Makinde explained that any member of his administration interested in running for office should make their intentions known and begin the necessary political consultations.

He added that such individuals should pursue their ambitions under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and assured them of his support as long as their actions remain in line with the interests of the state.