• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

Fresh political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections may lead to changes in the cabinet of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as some ministers are reportedly considering stepping down to pursue elective positions in their respective states. Investigations by Saturday PUNCH indicate that no fewer than four members of the Federal Executive Council are positioning themselves for state-level contests, particularly in states where incumbent governors are expected to complete their constitutionally permitted two terms by 2027. Those said to be weighing political bids include Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power; Muhammad Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare; Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. The development follows the recent revision of the electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which scheduled political party primaries to hold between April 22 and May 20. Under the law, individuals occupying appointive positions must resign before participating in party primaries. Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 stipulates that political appointees are barred from serving as delegates or contesting in party conventions, congresses, or primaries for candidate nominations unless they first relinquish their appointments. The provision implies that ministers, commissioners, special advisers and other political appointees must vacate their offices before taking part in party primaries either as aspirants or delegates. Sources within political circles say Adelabu may step down in the coming weeks to pursue the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State. Adelabu is believed to be preparing for another attempt at the Oyo governorship after losing to Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election. The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who ran under the platform of the Accord Party in 2023, remains a prominent figure in Oyo State's political landscape. During an interaction with stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry in Lagos late last year, Adelabu hinted at his future plans, noting that he hoped to achieve certain milestones "before leaving office." In a video that circulated in October 2025, the minister publicly declared his intention to contest the Oyo governorship, referencing his previous attempts in 2019 and 2023. When contacted, an aide to the minister, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that Adelabu was interested in the governorship race but said the President had not directed him to resign from his position. "As of now, the President has not asked Adelabu to step down as minister. Only the President can make that decision. Until then, he will continue to discharge his responsibilities, but he is certainly contesting the Oyo governorship seat," Awogboro said. He added that the minister would relinquish his appointment at the appropriate time to pursue his ambition, stressing that he remained committed to his current assignment. Awogboro also dismissed concerns about a possible resignation, noting that Adelabu had previously demonstrated willingness to relinquish high office when necessary, citing his voluntary resignation as Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2018. However, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Oyo State, Olawale Sadare, said the party had yet to open the process for aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections. According to him, the party would ensure a level playing field for all interested members when the appropriate time arrives. "Anyone nursing political ambition at this stage should focus on consultations, particularly at the grassroots. When the time comes, the party will provide the opportunity for them to pursue their aspirations," he said. Sadare, however, acknowledged that consultations among aspirants, party leaders and grassroots supporters had already begun in preparation for the next electoral cycle. Meanwhile, there are indications that Pate and Tuggar may also be eyeing the governorship seat in Bauchi State. Pate, who hails from Mainari village in Ajili Ward of Misau Local Government Area, had previously contested the governorship position. His ambition dates back to 2015 when he signalled interest in the Bauchi governorship race under the Peoples Democratic Party. He later contested the seat in 2019 on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party after losing the APC primary. In 2023, he again failed to secure the APC governorship ticket. Recent political activities linked to Pate, particularly programmes focusing on youth employment and empowerment across parts of Bauchi State, have intensified speculation that he may be preparing for another bid. The Coordinator of the Pate Media Centre in Dass Local Government Area, Ibrahim Abdulhamid, said although there had been no official declaration, supporters had mounted pressure on the minister to contest. According to him, a group of Bauchi indigenes visited Pate in Abuja to encourage him to join the race, and he had indicated readiness to do so. Another supporter, Garo Misau, also confirmed that some residents of Bauchi State were urging Pate to seek the state's highest political office. Similarly, Tuggar, an indigene of Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, is also believed to be interested in the governorship contest. His Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the minister had the ambition to run for the office. "The minister is interested and aspires to contest the governorship seat of Bauchi State," Abdulkadir said. He added that Tuggar would comply with the timetable and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding participation in the race. Meanwhile, Onyejeocha, who currently serves as Minister of State for Labour, is said to be considering a return to the National Assembly. The Abia State politician represented the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for 16 years between 2007 and 2023. A reliable source familiar with her political plans said the minister was weighing a return to the lower chamber. "She served four terms in the House of Representatives and is considering going back," the source disclosed. READ ALSO Efforts to obtain her reaction were unsuccessful as she neither answered calls nor responded to a text message sent to her as of the time this report was filed. Source: https://promptnewsonline.com/2027-top-ministers-to-quit-tinubus-cabinet/