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By Lizzy Chirkpi
President Bola Tinubu may soon face cabinet reshuffle as four key members of his administration are positioning themselves to contest governorship elections in their respective states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Those reportedly weighing their options include Adebayo Adelabu (Minister of Power), Muhammad Ali Pate (Minister of Health and Social Welfare), Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Minister of Foreign Affairs), and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Minister of State for Labour).
The ministers are believed to be preparing to resign from the federal cabinet to pursue governorship tickets in their respective states: Oyo, Bauchi and Abia as political alignments begin to crystallise ahead of the 2027 polls.
Under Nigeria’s electoral regulations, political appointees seeking elective office are required to step down before participating in party primaries.
According to Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, “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.”
The implication of the above is that, ministers, commissioners, special advisers, and other political appointees must resign their appointments before participating in party primaries either as aspirants or delegates.
Their potential exit from the cabinet could trigger one of the earliest political realignments within the Tinubu administration as parties begin quiet preparations for the next election cycle.
Adelabu Eyes Third Shot at Oyo Governorship
Power Minister Adelabu is believed to be preparing another attempt at the governorship of Oyo State. A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the seasoned politician ventured into partisan politics in 2019 when he contested the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
He lost the election to incumbent governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party. Following internal disputes within the APC, Adelabu defected to the Accord Party and contested again in 2023 but was again unsuccessful.
Despite the setbacks, Adelabu retains strong political recognition in Ibadan and benefits from the enduring legacy of his grandfather, nationalist-politician Adegoke Adelabu.
His third bid may hinge largely on his ability to unify the APC in the state and challenge the entrenched influence of the Makinde political structure.
Pate Weighs Entry into Bauchi Guber
Ali Pate, a global health expert could also be transitioning from international policy leadership to state politics in Bauchi State.
He previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health between 2011 and 2013 before taking up the international roles, including Global Director for Health at the World Bank. Before joining Tinubu’s cabinet, he served as a professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
His possible entry into the governorship race would mark a shift from technocratic leadership to grassroots electoral politics.
Again, there are permutations that his reputation in public health could appeal to reform-minded voters, although building a strong political network within the state may appear very crucial.
Tuggar Returns to Familiar Turf
Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar is also reportedly positioning for the Bauchi governorship race. Before joining the cabinet, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany and previously represented the Gamawa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2007 to 2011.
He had earlier contested the governorship in Bauchi State twice in 2011 and 2015 respectively, making him one of the more experienced politicians among the potential contenders.
His blend of diplomatic exposure, business experience and legislative background could strengthen his appeal within elite political circles.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Eyes Abia Plum Job
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Labour Onyejeocha is believed to be preparing a governorship bid in Abia State. She is one of the most experienced lawmakers from the state as well. She represented the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for about 16 years. Recall also that she spear-headed what is referred to today as ‘The Women’s Bill’ titled : Additional Legislative Seats for Women “.
She also served as Deputy Chief Whip of the House before her appointment as minister.
Her political strength is largely rooted in Abia North, where she built a strong grassroots support base over the years.
However, she might just be hitting the rocks due to the rise of Governor Alex Otti and the growing influence of the Labour Party in the state may complicate the political equation for the legislative veteran.
Although the 2027 elections are still some distance away, the emerging ambitions of the four ministers only points to the early manoeuvring already underway within Nigeria’s political class.
Their potential exit from the federal cabinet could change the political dynamics in their respective states while also forcing adjustments within the Tinubu administration.
For some of the ministers, the governorship race represents unfinished political ambition. For others, it is a transition from technocratic leadership to the rigours of grassroots politics.