By Juliet Ezeh
Fresh political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections are beginning to reshape calculations within the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as several ministers are reportedly preparing to pursue elective offices in their home states.
The development follows the release of the electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which scheduled party primaries between April 22 and May 20. The law requires political appointees seeking elective positions to step down from their appointments before participating in party primaries.
Political observers say the timeline has intensified consultations and mobilization among several members of the federal cabinet who are believed to be considering governorship and legislative contests.
Among those linked with possible state-level contests are the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Adelabu is widely believed to be positioning himself for another bid for the governorship of Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress. The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria had previously contested the state’s governorship election but lost to incumbent governor Seyi Makinde.
Political sources in the state say consultations and grassroots engagements have intensified in recent months as potential aspirants begin early groundwork ahead of the next election cycle.
In Bauchi State, attention has also turned to possible political rivalry between Pate and Tuggar, both of whom are believed to be considering bids for the state’s governorship seat. Supporters of the two ministers have continued to canvass support for their possible emergence as candidates, describing them as capable of providing leadership in the state.
While neither ambition has been formally declared, their recent political engagements and growing consultations among party stakeholders have fueled speculation about their intentions.
Meanwhile, Onyejeocha, who represented the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State for 16 years in the House of Representatives of Nigeria, is said to be considering a return to the National Assembly after serving in the current administration.
Political analysts note that if the ministers eventually resign to pursue their ambitions, it could trigger a minor cabinet reshuffle as the administration adjusts to the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amid the growing speculation, the electoral commission has also cautioned the public against misinformation circulating online about deadlines for the resignation of political appointees.
The commission clarified that it had not announced any specific date requiring ministers or other public officials to vacate their offices, urging political stakeholders and the media to rely only on information released through its official communication channels.
With consultations intensifying across political parties and states, the coming months are expected to shape the political field ahead of what analysts predict will be a highly competitive 2027 general election.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.