Several cabinet ministers who resigned to pursue elective offices found themselves politically stranded, with most losing both their ministerial positions and their bids to secure APC party tickets.
What seemed like a calculated political move has become a cautionary tale. When President Bola Tinubu directed cabinet members to resign and pursue elective offices, several ministers saw opportunity. Instead, most found themselves politically homeless—losing both their ministerial seats and their primary bids.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Of five ministers who stepped down, only two secured party tickets. The others suffered humiliating defeats that cost them everything.
Adebayo Adelabu’s loss was particularly brutal. The former Power Minister lost Oyo’s governorship race to Sarafadeen Alli in a landslide: 578,143 votes to his 19,193. Yet Adelabu had claimed that President Tinubu encouraged him personally, saying, “He told me, ‘Bayo, it is time… I will not stop you.'” After his crushing defeat, he alleged widespread irregularities and manipulation.
Saidu Alkali faced similar disappointment in Gombe State. Coming third behind even former Communications Minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, he too alleged unfairness in the process—but the damage was done.
Yusuf Tuggar’s story was equally deflating. The former Foreign Affairs Minister formally resigned with optimism, having served as Ambassador to Germany. In Bauchi’s primary, Mohammed Abubakar, the immediate past governor, decisively defeated him: 57,517 votes versus Tuggar’s 26,001.
These politicians made a critical miscalculation. They abandoned secure, prestigious positions with stable remuneration betting on primary election victories that proved elusive. Without ministerial platforms and having lost party nominations, they now face uncertain political futures.
The lesson is clear: political ambition without grassroots support can be devastatingly expensive.
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