By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Fresh political manoeuvring ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections could trigger a cabinet shake-up in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Several ministers are reportedly considering resigning from their positions to pursue governorship and Senate ambitions in their home states before party primaries scheduled between April 22 and May 20.
Ministers Consider Governorship Ambitions
Political calculations continue to intensify as the 2027 elections approach.
Among those reportedly preparing for state contests is the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. He is expected to seek the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State.
An aide to the minister, Femi Awogboro, confirmed Adelabu’s interest but noted that the president has not asked him to resign.
According to Awogboro, only the president can direct a minister to step down from office.
Adelabu previously contested the Oyo governorship election in 2019 and 2023. In both elections, he lost to incumbent governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party.
In October 2025, Adelabu publicly declared his intention to contest again in 2027.
Bauchi Ministers Face Pressure to Join Race
Attention has also shifted to Bauchi State, where two ministers are reportedly considering the governorship contest.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has faced pressure from supporters and community leaders to join the race.
According to Ibrahim Abdulhamid, coordinator of the Pate Media Centre in Dass Local Government Area, a delegation of Bauchi indigenes recently visited the minister in Abuja.
The group urged him to contest the governorship election.
Abdulhamid said the minister accepted the request after consultations with political allies.
Similarly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has also expressed interest in the race.
His media adviser, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed the minister’s governorship ambition.
Both ministers were recently sighted at the Bauchi State APC convention, which further fuelled speculation about their political plans.
Onyejeocha Considers Senate Bid
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, may return to the National Assembly.
Sources indicate that she is considering a Senate bid in Abia State.
Onyejeocha previously served four terms in the House of Representatives. She represented the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency for 16 years.
A political source said the minister now hopes to continue her legislative career in the Senate.
Attempts to obtain her official response were unsuccessful.
APC Urges Aspirants to Continue Consultations
Despite growing speculation, the All Progressives Congress leadership in Oyo State said no aspirant has formally declared for the 2027 governorship race.
The party’s publicity secretary, Olawale Sadare, advised potential aspirants to focus on consultations.
He explained that official declarations will begin at the appropriate time.
Sadare also encouraged aspirants to strengthen grassroots engagement before the primaries.
INEC Debunks Resignation Deadline Claims
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission dismissed reports claiming it fixed March 26 as the deadline for political appointees to resign.
The commission described the circulating graphic on social media as false and misleading.
INEC urged the public and media organisations to rely only on information released through its verified channels.
Electoral Law Requires Political Appointees to Resign
Nigeria’s electoral law requires political appointees to resign before participating in party primaries.
Under Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, political appointees cannot vote or contest in party primaries while holding office.
The provision applies to ministers, commissioners, advisers and other political office holders.
Therefore, any minister seeking nomination must step down before the primaries begin.
Possible Cabinet Reshuffle Ahead of Primaries
If the ministers eventually resign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may need to reshuffle his cabinet.
Such changes could significantly alter the composition of the Federal Executive Council.
Political observers believe the coming months will determine whether the ministers formally enter the 2027 races.
