New political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections may trigger a shake-up in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu as some ministers are reportedly weighing resignation to pursue their political ambitions in their home states.
Punch reports that at least four cabinet members are already positioning themselves for state-level contests, particularly where incumbent governors will complete their constitutionally allowed two terms in 2027.
Among those being mentioned are Adebayo Adelabu (Minister of Power), Muhammad Pate (Minister of Health and Social Welfare), Yusuf Tuggar (Minister of Foreign Affairs) and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently revised the electoral timetable, setting party primaries between April 22 and May 20.
By law, it is required that holders of appointed offices resign before the primaries.
By implication, ministers, commissioners, special advisers, and other political appointees must resign their appointments before participating in party primaries either as aspirants or delegates.
Except for any last-minute change of plans, Adelabu is expected to resign his appointment in the coming weeks to vie for the Oyo governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress.
He is believed to be preparing for another shot at the Oyo State governorship race after he was defeated by Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023.
Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who contested under the platform of Accord Party in 2023, has remained a key figure in the state’s political calculations.
During an engagement with stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry in Lagos (NESI) towards the end of last year, Adelabu hinted that he would love to achieve some feats “before I leave office.”
In a trending video in October 2025, Adelabu formally declared his intention to run for governor in Oyo, recalling how he lost to Makinde in 2019 and 2023.
“I have now paid my dues. I contested against Seyi (Makinde) in 2019. In 2023, I also contested against Seyi, then as the sitting governor. But in 2027, God has shown that it’s our turn. It’s Adelabu’s turn. Anything that belongs to Adelabu belongs to us all,” he said last year.