What began as a bold political move by several former members of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet has turned into a disappointing outcome for many of them ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In line with a presidential directive, political appointees who wanted to seek elective offices resigned from the Federal Executive Council before participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
Five former ministers heeded the call: Adebayo Adelabu (Power), Saidu Alkali (Transportation), Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (State for Labour and Employment) and Yusuf Sununu (State for Humanitarian Affairs).
Only Two Secured APC Tickets
To date, just two of the five have managed to obtain APC nominations. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha won the ticket for Abia State, while Yusuf Sununu secured the Kebbi State slot.
Adebayo Adelabu’s Oyo State Defeat
Adebayo Adelabu stepped down as Minister of Power to contest the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State. He was overwhelmingly defeated by Senator Sarafadeen Alli, who garnered 578,143 votes compared to Adelabu’s 19,193.
Before the primary, Adelabu dismissed rumors that President Tinubu was backing Alli, insisting any such claim was false. He recalled that the President had encouraged him to pursue his governorship ambition, telling him it was time to resign and start work.
After losing, Adelabu rejected the result, alleging widespread irregularities, intimidation and manipulation during the exercise.
Saidu Alkali’s Gombe State Bid
Former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali also resigned to vie for the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State. He lost the primary to Jamilu Gwamna, who was said to have enjoyed the backing of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
Alkali later boycotted the process, citing a lack of fairness and credibility. He finished third behind former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, who polled 12,120 votes; Alkali received 11,612 votes.
The election committee chairman, Senator Abubakar Danladi, noted that withdrawal letters from Pantami and Alkali were submitted after voting had begun, so their names remained on the ballot and votes were still recorded for them.
Yusuf Tuggar’s Bauchi State Loss
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar formally resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs on March 30, 2026, ahead of the March 31 deadline. He thanked President Tinubu for the trust and opportunity to serve under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Despite his service record — including a term as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany — Tuggar lost the Bauchi APC governorship ticket to former governor Mohammed Abubakar, who polled 57,517 votes against Tuggar’s 26,001.
The outcome highlights the high stakes and unpredictable nature of party primaries, even for former cabinet members who enjoyed direct access to the Presidency.
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