Several ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet are reportedly considering resignation to pursue governorship ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fresh political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections may trigger a cabinet reshuffle in the administration of Bola Tinubu, as some ministers are reportedly weighing resignation to pursue political ambitions in their respective states. Findings indicate that at least four cabinet members—including Adebayo Adelabu, Muhammad Pate, Yusuf Tuggar and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha—are positioning themselves for possible state-level contests, particularly in states where incumbent governors will complete their constitutionally permitted two terms in 2027.
Under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, political appointees must resign their positions before participating in party primaries either as aspirants or delegates. Section 88(1) of the law states: “A political appointee at any level shall not be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention, congress, and primaries of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.” The Independent National Electoral Commission has also revised the electoral timetable, fixing party primaries between April 22 and May 20.
One of the ministers reportedly preparing to resign is Adelabu, who is believed to be planning another bid for the Oyo State governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress. Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, previously contested the Oyo governorship race but lost to Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023. Speaking in a video that trended in October 2025, he declared his intention to contest again, saying: “I have now paid my dues. I contested against Seyi (Makinde) in 2019. In 2023, I also contested against Seyi, then as the sitting governor. But in 2027, God has shown that it’s our turn. It’s Adelabu’s turn. Anything that belongs to Adelabu belongs to us all.”