Four ministers to exit Tinubu’s council

Fresh political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections may trigger changes in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as some ministers are reportedly preparing to resign to pursue political ambitions in their home states.

Findings indicate that at least four cabinet members are considering state-level contests in 2027, particularly in states where incumbent governors will complete their constitutionally allowed two terms.

Among those mentioned are Adebayo Adelabu, Muhammad Ali Pate, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The development follows the revised electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which fixed party primaries between April 22 and May 20.

Under Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, political appointees are required to resign their positions before participating in party primaries either as aspirants or delegates.

Adelabu, the Minister of Power, is widely believed to be preparing for another attempt at the Oyo State governorship seat under the All Progressives Congress.

The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria previously contested the governorship election in 2019 and 2023 but lost to Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party.

An aide to the minister, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that Adelabu intends to contest the 2027 governorship election but said he will remain in office until President Tinubu directs otherwise.

According to him, the minister will resign at the appropriate time to pursue his political ambition in compliance with legal requirements.

In Bauchi State, both Pate and Tuggar are believed to be considering governorship bids.

Pate, a former governorship aspirant who contested under different political platforms in previous elections, is reportedly under pressure from supporters to join the race again.

His associates say consultations are ongoing following appeals from political groups across the state.

Similarly, Tuggar, who previously contested the Bauchi governorship seat, is said to have intensified political activities across the state.

His Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the minister is interested in running for the position and would comply with the electoral timetable set by INEC.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Labour, Onyejeocha, is reportedly planning a return to the National Assembly after serving 16 years in the House of Representatives representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi constituency of Abia State between 2007 and 2023.

Amid the speculation, INEC has dismissed reports circulating online that it fixed March 26 as the deadline for ministers and other political appointees intending to contest elections to resign their positions.

The commission clarified that the information did not originate from it and urged the public to rely only on its official communication channels for election-related updates.

In a related development, Oyo State Governor Makinde has asked political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective positions in 2027 to publicly declare their ambitions.

The governor gave the directive during the 2026 Iftar programme held at the Government House in Ibadan, encouraging aspirants to openly pursue their ambitions under the PDP platform.