Fresh political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections may trigger a shake-up in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as several ministers reportedly consider stepping down to pursue elective offices in their respective states.
Investigations by Saturday MetroNews indicate that at least four members of the Federal Executive Council are positioning themselves for key state and federal contests, particularly in states where current governors will complete their constitutionally permitted two terms in 2027.
Among those linked to the political calculations are the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Their potential ambitions come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares the ground for the next election cycle, with party primaries scheduled to hold between April 22 and May 20.
Under Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, political appointees must resign from their positions before participating in party primaries either as aspirants or voting delegates.
Sources suggest Adelabu may soon resign his ministerial post to pursue the governorship ticket in Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria is reportedly preparing for a fresh attempt at the governorship after losing to the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde, in both the 2019 and 2023 elections.
Adelabu had previously hinted at his possible exit from the cabinet during an engagement with stakeholders in the electricity sector, saying he hoped to accomplish certain goals “before leaving office.”
In a video that circulated widely in October 2025, the minister openly declared his intention to run again for the state’s top seat, insisting that the 2027 election could be his moment.
However, his aide, Femi Awogboro, clarified that the president had not yet asked the minister to resign.
“As of now, the President has not told Adelabu to step down. Only the President can make that call,” Awogboro said, adding that the minister would comply with legal requirements at the appropriate time.
Despite the speculation, the APC Publicity Secretary in Oyo, Olawale Sadare, said no aspirant had officially declared interest because the party had not opened the nomination process.
In Bauchi State, political signals suggest a possible contest between two serving ministers.
Supporters of Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate say he has agreed to consider running for governor following pressure from stakeholders and supporters who believe he possesses the leadership credentials to transform the state.
A coordinator of the Pate Media Centre, Ibrahim Abdulhamid, revealed that a delegation of Bauchi indigenes had visited the minister in Abuja to encourage him to join the race.
Another supporter, Garo Misau, described Pate as a highly qualified leader with international experience and humanitarian impact.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is also widely believed to be preparing for a governorship bid in the state.
His media adviser, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the minister has an interest in the position and would comply with INEC’s timetable and requirements.
A supporter from the Tuggar Foundation, Ahmad Tilde, said many residents of Bauchi believe Tuggar has the capacity to govern effectively.
Both ministers were reportedly present at the Bauchi APC convention held on March 3, further fueling speculation about their political ambitions.
The Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, may also be planning a return to the National Assembly of Nigeria.
The Abia State politician previously served four terms in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2023, representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency.
Sources close to the minister say she may seek to reclaim her seat in the legislature, though she has yet to publicly confirm the plan.
Meanwhile, INEC has dismissed a widely circulated report claiming that March 26 was fixed as the deadline for ministers and other public office holders seeking election to resign.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the electoral body described the information as false and urged the public to rely only on announcements from its verified platforms.
In a related development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has asked political appointees in his administration who intend to contest the 2027 elections to openly declare their ambitions.
Speaking during the 2026 Iftar programme at the Government House in Ibadan, Makinde encouraged interested aspirants to pursue their political ambitions on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He assured them of his support as long as their loyalty remained with the people and the development of the state.
