At least six ministers in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet may resign ahead of the President’s March 31 deadline for his political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections.
A directive from Tinubu, issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, mandates all affected officials to step down before participating in party primaries.
The order is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the circular signed by Akume and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the government stated that the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees, including ministers, special advisers, senior special assistants, and heads of federal agencies.
“All affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026,” the statement said.
Ahead of the deadline, The Lagos Times takes a look at ministers who may comply with the directive to join the race for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective states.
Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu
Bayo Adelabu is among the most prominent figures who may be preparing to exit the cabinet. A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he has built a strong political profile in Oyo State over the past decade.
Adelabu contested the governorship election in 2019 under the APC and again in 2023 under the Accord Party, losing both times to Governor Seyi Makinde. His renewed ambition for 2027 is seen as a continuation of his long-standing political project in the state.
The Lagos Times reports that Adelabu had, in October 2025, declared that it is his turn to become the governor of Oyo State in 2027.
In a viral video sighted by The Lagos Times at the time, Adelabu, while addressing a gathering, said his ambition was not driven by selfish motives but by a genuine desire to improve the lives of the people of Oyo State.
Speaking in Yoruba, he said, “I have been on this political journey for quite some time. In politics, I have learned that one may not always get what one deserves in a single attempt — life and politics have both taught me this lesson.
“I have paid my dues. I contested alongside Seyi Makinde in 2019 and again in 2023.
“Today, I declare: it is our turn — it is my turn in 2027, as God has revealed it. Adelabu! Àwálòkàn! Penkelemesi Èmilòkàn!
“We will begin our door-to-door campaign in earnest, and by the grace of God and our collective efforts, victory is not only possible — it is certain.”
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, is a public health expert with both national and international experience. He previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health between July 2011 and July 2013 under former President Goodluck Jonathan and later worked as Director of the Global Financing Facility (GFF) at the World Bank Group.
Pate has contested the Bauchi governorship in the past and remains an influential figure in the state’s politics, keeping him in contention for another possible run.
The Lagos Times reports that some groups have continued to project him as a strong contender for the Bauchi governorship in 2027. One of such groups, the Bakaro/Dangikka Primary School Old Boys Association, described him as a suitable candidate for the position.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Umar Musa, and titled “Why Bauchi needs Professor Ali Pate as Governor, 2027”, the association called on him to contest, stating that, “It’s time for a new era of purposeful and progressive leadership in Bauchi State with a vision, experience and dedication to Public Service.”
The group added that, “In our view and candid opinion, the present Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate is best man for the job.”
It further stated that, “Pate is Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development. Achievements and qualifications makes him the best candidate that has all it takes to become the next Bauchi State Governor 2027.”
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari
Kyari was first elected into the House of Representatives in 1998 during the military regime of General Sani Abacha under the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party. He later rose within the All Progressives Congress (APC), serving as Deputy National Chairman (North), a position that strengthened his influence within the party.
He was elected to the Senate in 2015 on the platform of the APC and re-elected in 2019, serving until April 2022 when he resigned to assume the role of Deputy National Chairman (North). He briefly served as Acting National Chairman of the party in July 2023 following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, before his appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Food Security by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023 after Senate confirmation.
Although he has not made any official declaration, many groups, including Borno Social Media Frontiers (BSF), have tipped Kyari as a potential contender to succeed Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali
The former three-term senator who represented Gombe North in the 6th, 7th and 9th assemblies is believed to be working from Abuja to clinch the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State.
Alkali’s political career has spanned both legislative and executive roles. He previously served as Commissioner for Information in Gombe State and later chaired the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Air Force.
His experience and political network have made many to tipped him for the APC governorship ticket in the state.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is also expected to consider leaving the cabinet to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State, setting up a potential contest within the APC.
He previously served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing Gamawa Federal Constituency, and has contested the governorship twice.
His ambition dates back to 2011 when he ran under the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and again in 2015 when he lost the APC primaries. He is now widely regarded as a strong contender in the state.
A Bauchi-based pressure group, the Bauchi South Concern Citizens Movement, called on Tuggar at a meeting held a few months ago to contest the 2027 governorship election, citing the need for power rotation to Bauchi North after years of leadership from Bauchi South.
An APC elder, Abdullahi Usman Matori, who spoke at the meeting, defended the call for Bauchi North to produce the state’s next governor, noting that Bauchi South has held the position since 1999.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani
Bosun Tijani is widely recognised for his background in the technology sector. He is the co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), one of Africa’s leading innovation centres, and earned a PhD in innovation and economic development from the University of Leicester in 2023.
Since his appointment, he has focused on digital infrastructure, startup support and tech-driven economic growth.
Although he has yet to formally declare his intention to contest any elective position, Tijani has also been tipped as a potential contender for the Ogun State governorship in 2027.
