By Sandra Ugwu 

Fresh political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections may trigger changes in the cabinet of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as some ministers are reportedly considering resigning their appointments to pursue elective positions in their home states.

Among those said to be weighing their political options are Adebayo Adelabu, Muhammad Ali Pate, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The reported plans come as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections, particularly in states where incumbent governors will complete their constitutionally allowed two terms. Political observers say the anticipated resignations are tied to the requirement that political appointees must step down before participating in party primaries.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has already fixed April 22 to May 20, 2026 for party primaries ahead of the general elections. The Electoral Act stipulates that political appointees at any level must resign their positions before contesting or participating as delegates in party primaries.

Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 states that political appointees cannot vote or be voted for at conventions, congresses or primaries organised by political parties for the nomination of candidates in elections.

One of the ministers widely reported to be preparing for the 2027 contest is Adelabu, who is believed to be planning another bid for the governorship of Oyo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Adelabu had previously contested the governorship election in 2019 and again in 2023 but lost to the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party.

An aide to the minister, Femi Awogboro, confirmed that Adelabu intends to run for the governorship but noted that the minister would only resign from the cabinet at the appropriate time.

According to him, only the president can direct the minister to step down from his current position, adding that Adelabu remains focused on delivering on his national assignment while preparing for his political ambition.

Speculations are also growing in Bauchi State where both Pate and Tuggar are believed to be interested in contesting the governorship election in the state.

Pate, a former global health expert with an international reputation, had previously shown interest in the Bauchi governorship race. He contested the position in 2019 under the Peoples Redemption Party after losing the APC primary and also failed to secure the APC ticket in 2023.

Supporters say recent engagements by the minister across parts of the state, particularly initiatives focusing on youth empowerment and employment, have intensified speculation that he may once again join the governorship race.

Tuggar, who hails from Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, is also believed to be preparing for the contest. His media adviser confirmed that the minister has an interest in the governorship seat and would comply with the requirements of the electoral timetable released by INEC.

Both ministers were recently sighted at the APC convention in Bauchi State, a development that further fuelled discussions about their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, Onyejeocha is also reportedly considering a return to the National Assembly. The Abia State politician served for 16 years in the House of Representatives representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State before her appointment as Minister of State for Labour.

Sources familiar with the development said she may be planning to contest again for a legislative seat, although she has yet to publicly confirm the move.

Meanwhile, INEC has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that March 26 had been fixed as the deadline for ministers and other public office holders intending to contest elections to resign their appointments.

The commission clarified that the information was false and urged the public, media organisations and political stakeholders to rely only on its verified communication channels for election-related announcements.

In a related development, Governor Makinde has asked political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective offices in 2027 to openly declare their ambitions. Speaking during the state government’s 2026 Iftar programme in Ibadan, the governor encouraged aspirants to pursue their political ambitions on the platform of the PDP and assured them of his support.

Political analysts say the coming months are likely to witness increased consultations, alliances and strategic positioning among aspirants across political parties as preparations gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.