Nigeria’s political landscape is beginning to shift visibly as the 2027 general elections approach, with at least four ministers reportedly preparing to resign from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet to pursue elective positions in their home states. The developments signal early realignments in Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and point to emerging power dynamics ahead of what promises to be one of the country’s most contested polls.

Political operatives and insiders told Saturday PUNCH that Adebayo Adelabu (Power), Muhammad Pate (Health), Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs) and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (State for Labour) are among those quietly positioning for governorship and legislative contests following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) revised timetable. The commission set party primaries between April 22 and May 20, prompting appointees who wish to contest to resign in compliance with Section 88(1) of the 2026 Electoral Act, which bars political appointees from participating in primaries without first stepping down.

However, a closer look shows a nuanced picture: while Adelabu is widely expected to resign to focus on the Oyo governorship race, an aide maintains that only President Tinubu can formally accept his resignation. Adelabu, a former Central Bank of Nigeria deputy governor and twice defeated aspirant against Seyi Makinde, has already declared his intention to vie for Oyo’s top seat.

In Bauchi State, sources say both Pate and Tuggar are being encouraged to throw their hats into the governorship contest, with supporters describing both ministers as qualified and ready for leadership roles. Meanwhile, Onyejeocha — with a 16‑year legislative record — is reported to be eyeing a return to the National Assembly, highlighting the varied ambitions among APC’s rank and file.
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Yet this political jockeying occurs against the backdrop of a misinforming online claim about INEC fixing a March 26 resignation deadline, which the electoral commission swiftly debunked, urging the public to rely only on official releases.

What makes this more complex is that these shifts are not happening in isolation. APC insiders note that early groundwork, including grassroots consultations and stakeholder engagements, reflects a broader trend of pre‑primary positioning that could reshape party structures and candidate lists ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.

The real challenge now is how the APC manages these ambitions without fracturing internal unity, especially as other parties prepare their own strategies for 2027.