At least seven of President Bola Tinubu’s ministers are expected to resign by March 31, 2026, to pursue various elective offices in the 2027 general elections, following a mandatory directive from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration is bracing for a significant reshuffle as at least seven high-profile ministers are expected to resign before the March 31, 2026, deadline. The departures are driven by a formal directive from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which mandates that all political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections must submit their formal resignation letters by the month’s end. This directive aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, formalizing long-standing political ambitions within the cabinet. The anticipated vacancies across key ministries—including Power, Communications, Health, and Foreign Affairs—suggest a major pivot as the administration enters its third year.
The list of departing officials is dominated by seasoned politicians eyeing state governorships. Adebayo Adelabu (Power) is widely expected to make a third bid for the Oyo State governorship, having explicitly told supporters, “It’s Adelabu time.” In the North, a fierce competition is brewing for the Bauchi State Government House, with both Muhammad Ali Pate (Health) and Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Foreign Affairs) reportedly preparing to exit. Pate’s associates noted he would seek the president’s blessing first “as a mark of respect to the one who gave him the appointment,” while Tuggar’s campaign billboards have already become a fixture across Bauchi. Similarly, Saidu Alkali (Transportation) is positioning himself for Gombe, reportedly bolstered by a formidable coalition that includes Vice President Kashim Shettima and the First Lady.
Beyond governorship races, other cabinet members are eyeing legislative seats and regional strongholds. Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture) is viewed as a leading contender to succeed Governor Babagana Zulum in Borno, leveraging his deep ties as a former senator and associate of the Vice President. Bosun Tijani (Communications) has fueled speculation regarding the Ogun State governorship through strategic ICT investments, while Bernard Doro (Humanitarian Affairs) faces a delicate situation seeking the Plateau North senatorial seat. As the March 31 deadline approaches, the Presidency is reportedly working to manage these exits, with an aide to Saidu Alkali confirming that handover notes are already being prepared, signaling that the first wave of resignations is imminent.
Adebayo Adelabu — Power
Bosun Tijani — Communications
Saidu Alkali — Transportation
Muhammad Ali Pate — Health
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar — Foreign Affairs
Abubakar Kyari — Agriculture
Bernard Doro — Humanitarian Affairs
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