2027: Four ministers to quit Tinubu’s cabinet

“As of now, the President has not told Adelabu to resign as minister. Only the President can tell him to resign and until that, Adelabu continues to perform his functions, but he is definitely contesting for Oyo governorship seat,” Awogboro said.

Awogboro said the minister would resign from office at the appropriate time to pursue his aspiration.

He said Adelabu remained focused on delivering on his current national assignment but would comply with all political and legal requirements at the right time.

“The minister will resign at the appropriate time. Perhaps he is not the only minister in the cabinet who intends to contest in 2027. Others with political ambitions will also do the needful when the time comes. The masses should rest assured of that,” he said.

He dismissed concerns about the resignation, noting that Adelabu had previously demonstrated his readiness to relinquish high office when necessary.

According to him, the minister voluntarily resigned his position as Deputy Governor (Operations) at the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2018.

However, the Publicity Secretary of the state chapter of the APC, Olawale Sadare, said no aspirant had officially declared interest in the 2027 elections because the party had not opened the process for such moves.

Sadare explained that the party would provide a level playing field for interested members once the appropriate time arrived.

“Anyone nursing an ambition at this stage should focus on consultations, especially at the grassroots level. When the time comes, they will have the full opportunity to pursue their political goals,” he added.

He, however, disclosed that individuals eyeing various political positions had begun consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and supporters across the grassroots ahead of the 2027 elections.

Indications also emerged that Pate and Tuggar might be contesting the governorship seat of Bauchi State.

Pate, who hails from Mainari village in Ajili Ward of Misau Local Government Area, previously contested the governorship position.

Pate’s governorship ambition dates back to 2015 when he indicated an interest in contesting for the Bauchi State governorship election under the People’s Democratic Party.

He contested the governorship seat in 2019 under the Peoples Redemption Party after suffering a defeat at the APC primary.

In 2023, Pate also failed to pick up the APC governorship ticket.

His recent political engagements, particularly initiatives centred on youth employment and empowerment across parts of the state, have intensified talks that he may be preparing to rejoin the governorship race.

Coordinator of Pate Media Centre in Dass Local Government Area, Ibrahim Abdulhamid, said although it was not yet official, indications suggested that Pate had agreed to participate in the governorship race following pressure from supporters.

Abdulhamid explained that a group of Bauchi indigenes who believed in his leadership capacity visited him in Abuja to encourage him to join the contest.

He said, “A team from Bauchi that has faith in his capabilities went all the way to Abuja and sought his participation in the gubernatorial contest and he has accepted the contest.”

Another supporter, Garo Misau, said he was among residents of Bauchi State urging Pate to run for the state’s top political office.

Misau described the minister as highly qualified for the position.

He said, “Pate is eminently qualified for the seat of governorship in Bauchi State. Not only Bauchi State any state in the country that has a son like Professor Pate will want him to lead it. He has an international reputation of capabilities and humanitarian impact.”

Tuggar, who hails from Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, is also believed to be eyeing the governorship seat.

Tuggar, who previously contested the position, is said to have sustained political activities across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed Tuggar’s intention to contest for the state governorship seat.

Speaking with Newsmen Abdulkadir said, “The minister is interested and aspires to run for the governorship seat of Bauchi State.”

When asked when Tuggar would resign his ministerial appointment, Abdulkadir said, “There is a timetable released by INEC that stipulates all the rules and regulations for running, he (Tuggar) will adhere to this.”

Both Pate and Tuggar were sighted at the Bauchi State APC convention held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, further fuelling speculations about their political ambition.

Meanwhile, INEC has dismissed a report claiming it fixed March 26 as the deadline for ministers and other public office holders intending to contest elections to resign their appointments.

According to INEC, all official announcements and updates are published through its website and verified social media platforms, as well as official press releases from the commission.