By John Umeh
Fresh political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections could lead to changes in the cabinet of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as several ministers are reportedly preparing to step down from their positions to pursue elective offices in their respective states.
According to emerging reports, at least four members of the Federal Executive Council are considering leaving the administration in order to contest in the next round of state and federal elections. Those said to be weighing their options include Adebayo Adelabu, Muhammad Ali Pate, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The development comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission released a revised electoral timetable, scheduling party primaries to hold between April 22 and May 20. Under Nigeria’s electoral law, political appointees must resign their positions before participating in party primaries as aspirants or delegates.
Adelabu Targets Oyo Governorship
One of the ministers believed to be preparing to step down is Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, who is reportedly planning another bid for the governorship of Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress.
Adelabu previously contested the governorship seat but lost to the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party. A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Adelabu has remained an influential political figure in the state.
An aide to the minister, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that Adelabu intends to run for the governorship, though he stressed that only President Tinubu has the authority to request his resignation from the cabinet.
According to Awogboro, the minister will step down at the appropriate time in line with legal requirements, while continuing to carry out his responsibilities in government for now.
Pate and Tuggar Linked to Bauchi Governorship Race
Speculation is also growing that both Muhammad Pate and Yusuf Tuggar may join the race for the governorship of Bauchi State.
Pate, who hails from Misau Local Government Area, has previously shown interest in the governorship contest, having attempted to secure tickets under different political platforms in past elections. Supporters say recent outreach efforts focused on youth empowerment and development initiatives across the state suggest renewed political ambitions.
Similarly, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is believed to be eyeing the same governorship seat. His media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the minister has political aspirations and would follow the electoral timetable released by INEC.
Both ministers were recently spotted at the APC convention held in Bauchi, further fuelling speculation about their possible participation in the governorship race.
Onyejeocha May Return to National Assembly
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, is reportedly considering a return to the National Assembly. Before joining the cabinet, she served for 16 years in the House of Representatives representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Sources familiar with the development say the seasoned lawmaker may seek another legislative position, although she has not publicly confirmed her plans.
INEC Debunks Resignation Deadline Claim
In a related development, INEC has dismissed a widely circulated report claiming that March 26 had been set as the deadline for political appointees to resign before contesting elections.
The electoral commission described the information as false and urged the public to rely only on its verified communication channels for official announcements regarding the 2027 elections.
Makinde Urges Political Appointees to Declare Ambitions
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has encouraged political appointees in his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 elections to openly declare their ambitions.
Speaking during the 2026 Iftar programme held at the Government House in Ibadan, the governor advised interested aspirants to pursue their ambitions through the Peoples Democratic Party, assuring them of his support as long as their loyalty remains with the party and the people of the state.
