Fresh political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections may lead to a possible reshuffle in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as some ministers are reportedly considering resignation to pursue elective positions in their respective states.
Findings by Saturday PUNCH indicate that at least four members of the Federal Executive Council are positioning themselves for state-level contests, particularly in states where incumbent governors are expected to complete their constitutionally permitted two terms in 2027.
Those reportedly weighing their options include the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The development follows the release of a revised electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which fixed party primaries between April 22 and May 20 ahead of the 2027 polls.
Under the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, political appointees are barred from participating in party conventions, congresses, or primaries either as delegates or aspirants unless they first resign their appointments.
The law states that “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.”
Consequently, ministers, commissioners, special advisers and other political appointees are required to step down before contesting in party primaries.
Adelabu eyes Oyo governorship
Barring any last-minute change of plan, Adelabu is expected to resign his appointment in the coming weeks to pursue the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State.
The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria is believed to be preparing for another attempt at the Oyo governorship seat after losing to the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election.
Adelabu, who contested the 2023 poll under the platform of the Accord Party, has remained a major figure in the state’s political landscape.
During an engagement with stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry in Lagos late last year, the minister hinted at his future plans, stating that he hoped to accomplish some milestones “before I leave office.”
In a video that surfaced in October 2025, Adelabu formally declared his intention to contest the governorship election in 2027, recalling his previous attempts in 2019 and 2023.
Confirming the development, one of the minister’s aides, Femi Awogboro, said although Adelabu had not been directed by the President to resign, he remained committed to pursuing the governorship seat.
“As of now, the President has not asked Adelabu to resign as minister. Only the President can take such a decision. Until then, he will continue to perform his duties, but he is definitely contesting the Oyo governorship,” Awogboro said.
He added that the minister would step down from office at the appropriate time in line with legal and political requirements.
Awogboro also dismissed concerns over the planned resignation, noting that Adelabu had previously relinquished a high-profile position when he voluntarily resigned as Deputy Governor (Operations) at the Central Bank in 2018.
However, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Oyo State, Olawale Sadare, maintained that no aspirant had officially declared interest in the 2027 governorship race as the party had yet to open the process.
Sadare urged interested aspirants to focus on grassroots consultations pending the commencement of the party’s formal procedures.
Bauchi race gathers momentum
There are also indications that Pate and Tuggar may contest the governorship seat in Bauchi State in 2027.
Pate, an indigene of Misau Local Government Area, has previously shown interest in the governorship race.
He first indicated interest in 2015 under the PDP and later contested the 2019 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party after losing the APC primary.
He also failed to secure the APC governorship ticket in 2023.
Recent political engagements across parts of Bauchi State, particularly initiatives focused on youth empowerment and employment, have further fuelled speculation about his possible return to the race.
The Coordinator of Pate Media Centre in Dass Local Government Area, Ibrahim Abdulhamid, told Saturday PUNCH that although the ambition had not been formally declared, supporters had mounted pressure on him to contest.
“A team from Bauchi that has faith in his capabilities went to Abuja to seek his participation in the gubernatorial race, and he has agreed,” Abdulhamid said.
Similarly, Tuggar, an indigene of Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, is also said to be considering the governorship race.
His Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the minister was interested in the contest.
“The minister is interested and aspires to run for the governorship seat of Bauchi State,” Abdulkadir said, adding that Tuggar would comply with the guidelines outlined by the electoral body.
Onyejeocha eyes National Assembly return
Meanwhile, Onyejeocha, who served four terms in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2023 representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, is reportedly planning a return to the National Assembly.
A credible source close to the minister disclosed that she was considering another bid for a legislative seat.
“She was elected four times into the House of Representatives and she wants to return,” the source said.
Efforts to get her reaction were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to her were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
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