The decision by several former ministers in President ’s cabinet to resign ahead of the 2027 elections has produced mixed political outcomes, with only two out of five ex-ministers securing party tickets in ongoing All Progressives Congress primaries.
According to , the affected former ministers resigned after the Presidency directed political appointees seeking elective offices to step down before participating in party primaries, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
Among those who resigned were former Minister of Power , former Minister of Foreign Affairs , former Minister of Transportation , former Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Yusuf Sununu, and former Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
So far, only Sununu and Onyejeocha have secured APC tickets. Onyejeocha emerged unopposed for the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency seat in Abia State, while Sununu clinched the ticket for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency after withdrawing from the Kebbi South senatorial race.
For Adelabu, the political gamble ended in disappointment after he lost the APC governorship primary in Oyo State to Senator . Official results showed Alli polling 578,143 votes against Adelabu’s 19,193 votes.
The former minister, however, rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities, intimidation and manipulation during the exercise. Adelabu claimed some of his supporters were prevented from voting in several wards, while results were allegedly fabricated in areas where voting did not occur.
Through his media aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu later stated that he was yet to recognise any officially declared result and hinted at possible legal or political action against the outcome.
Similarly, Saidu Alkali failed to secure the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State after boycotting the primary process over alleged irregularities and lack of fairness. The contest was eventually won by Jamilu Gwamna, who defeated both Alkali and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy .
Despite the defeat, Alkali’s camp insisted he had not withdrawn from the race or abandoned the APC. His aide, Umar Alkali, clarified that the former minister merely boycotted the process because of concerns over credibility and inclusiveness.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Tuggar’s governorship ambition in Bauchi State amid speculation that former governor may emerge as the APC consensus candidate.
Supporters of Tuggar have threatened to dump the APC if what they described as candidate imposition goes ahead. Ibrahim Malam, Director of Media for the Tuggar Foundation, warned that many loyalists would not remain in a party where internal democracy was allegedly being undermined.
Another supporter, Bello Adamu, popularly known as Elder Karofi, also rejected reports of a consensus arrangement favouring Abubakar, insisting Tuggar remained the most competent aspirant in the race.
The developments have intensified political tensions within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, as several former ministers who resigned from Tinubu’s cabinet now battle uncertainty over their political futures.
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