As the March 31, 2026 deadline set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approaches, several ministers and political appointees are reportedly weighing their political futures as they consider whether to resign from office to pursue elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive requires any appointee seeking elective office to step down from their current position, placing members of the Federal Executive Council in a difficult position as they balance the security and influence of office against the uncertainties of electoral contests shaped by party rivalries, zoning arrangements and local political dynamics.
At least nine ministers are said to be considering resignation in order to pursue various political ambitions in their respective states. Among them is the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who is expected to contest the Oyo State governorship. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, are both linked to the Bauchi State governorship race.
In the South-East, the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, is weighing either a return to the National Assembly or a governorship bid in Abia State. The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, is believed to be preparing for a governorship run in Borno State, while Saidu Ahmed Alkali is also associated with similar ambitions in Gombe State.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, may also test his political strength in Ogun State, while the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, is reportedly eyeing a senatorial seat in Plateau State. Ekperikpe Ekpo is also projected to join the Akwa Ibom State governorship race.
These potential resignations are expected to take place before party primaries scheduled between April 22 and May 20, in line with electoral laws and internal party regulations.
Beyond the federal cabinet, other political figures are also positioning themselves for the 2027 elections. In Kwara State, individuals linked to the governorship race include Issa Onilu, Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman and Wale Sulaiman.
However, analysts say the path to victory remains uncertain for many of the ministers, as they face entrenched opposition structures, internal party divisions and zoning arrangements that could significantly shape the outcome of their ambitions.
For Adelabu, analysts point to the dominance of Governor Seyi Makinde and the strong structure of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State as key challenges. Internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress and concerns about performance in the power sector are also seen as potential obstacles.
Similarly, Muhammad Ali Pate is expected to face structural challenges in Bauchi State, including zoning considerations that may not favour his political base and a relatively limited grassroots network. Yusuf Tuggar also faces the challenge of converting national prominence into local political support amid party factionalism.
In Ogun State, Bosun Tijani’s achievements in digital innovation are seen as a possible boost to his profile, but political observers note that translating federal-level performance into grassroots electoral strength remains a significant hurdle.
Meanwhile, Abubakar Kyari’s prospects in Borno State may be influenced by public perception of rising food prices, while other aspirants are expected to navigate complex political alliances and voter expectations at the state level.
Some appointees are reportedly delaying resignation decisions, as remaining in office offers strategic advantages, including access to influence and administrative resources. Others are awaiting clearer guidance from party leadership regarding zoning arrangements and political endorsements.
Political observers say the hesitation reflects broader uncertainty over party dynamics and the competitiveness of upcoming primaries, with some aspirants seeking informal approval from influential party leaders before making final decisions.
Despite concerns about potential disruptions, analysts maintain that governance will continue even if several ministers step down, noting that permanent secretaries are expected to assume interim leadership roles where necessary.
However, experts warn that the exit of key officials could expose administrative gaps and slow decision-making in sensitive sectors, particularly during a politically charged transition period.
The unfolding developments underscore a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics, where public office often serves as a launching platform for future political ambitions. As the deadline approaches, ministers now face a critical decision between remaining in office or taking the political risk of returning to the grassroots to pursue higher political positions.
