Fresh political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections may lead to changes in the cabinet of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as some ministers are reportedly considering resignation to pursue elective positions in their states.
Investigations indicate that at least four members of the Federal Executive Council are positioning themselves for state-level contests, particularly in states where incumbent governors will complete their constitutionally permitted two terms in 2027.
Among those believed to be weighing their options are 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.
The development follows the recent release of the electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which scheduled party primaries for the 2027 elections between April 22 and May 20.
Under the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, political appointees are required to step down from their positions before participating in party primaries, either as aspirants or delegates.
Sources indicated that Adelabu may soon relinquish his ministerial post to contest the governorship election in Oyo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
The minister had previously contested the state governorship race and lost to the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election.
Adelabu’s aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that the minister intends to join the race but noted that he would remain in office until directed otherwise by the President.
According to Awogboro, the minister will resign at the appropriate time in line with legal and political requirements, stressing that Adelabu remains focused on his current responsibilities in the power sector.
The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Oyo State, Olawale Sadare, however, said no aspirant had formally declared interest yet, as the party had not officially opened the process for the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, indications have also emerged that Pate and Tuggar may contest the governorship seat in Bauchi State.
Pate, who previously sought the state’s top political office in earlier elections, is said to be under pressure from supporters to rejoin the governorship race.
A coordinator at the Pate Media Centre in Dass Local Government Area, Ibrahim Abdulhamid, disclosed that a delegation of supporters had recently met with the minister in Abuja to persuade him to contest, a request he reportedly accepted.
Another supporter, Garo Misau, also confirmed that many residents in the state were urging the minister to join the race.
Similarly, Tuggar, who hails from Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, is believed to be considering a bid for the governorship position.
His Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the minister is interested in the race and would comply with the electoral guidelines issued by INEC.
In the South-East, Onyejeocha is reportedly planning a return to the National Assembly after serving four terms in the House of Representatives representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi constituency of Abia State between 2007 and 2023.
A source close to the minister disclosed that she was considering contesting again for a legislative seat, although she has yet to publicly confirm the plan.
Efforts to obtain her reaction were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to her had not been responded to as of the time of filing this report.
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