Ministers Eyeing 2027 Governorship Tickets Face Dilemma As March 31 Resignation Deadline Approaches

by HEDNEWS on March 25, 2026

Ministers eyeing 2027 governorship tickets face dilemma as March 31 resignation deadline approaches Serving ministers and political appointees angling for gubernatorial tickets in the 2027 general elections are confronting a growing dilemma as the mandatory March 31, 2026 resignation deadline draws near, sources in Abuja report. Government officials are now carefully weighing their options, political prospects and grassroots support in their home states ahead of the crucial decision to step down from the federal cabinet a requirement of Nigeria’s electoral regulations for any appointee wishing to contest.

The deadline follows a presidential directive to all political appointees intending to pursue elective office in the 2027 polls, stipulating that they must resign from their appointments on or before March 31 in compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This has prompted at least nine ministers to consider resigning, with many believed to be preparing political machinery for their respective state races. Among those widely reported to be weighing their political futures:

Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power linked to a governorship bid in Oyo State.
Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare associated with political recalibrations in Bauchi State.
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs also said to be eyeing a contest in Bauchi.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour linked with either the Abia State governorship or a return to the National Assembly.
Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture speculated as preparing for Borno State’s governorship.
Saidu Ahmed Alkali reported interest in Gombe State.
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy may test his popularity in Ogun State.
Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs linked to a senatorial bid in Plateau State.
Ekperikpe Ekpo projected to enter Akwa Ibom’s governorship race.

Political observers say ministers face complex electoral landscapes: entrenched incumbent influence, zoning politics, party factionalism and the need to reconnect with grassroots structures a stark contrast to their federal roles.

For instance, Adelabu, a former Central Bank of Nigeria deputy governor, must contend with the influence of the outgoing governor and intra‑party divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, despite his federal profile. Similarly, Pate and Tuggar recognized for technocratic credentials must mobilize support in their states where traditional political networks and local party structures often determine outcomes.

Parties are scheduled to hold primaries between April 22 and May 20, 2026, meaning ministers must resign ahead of these contests to remain eligible to seek nominations and meet INEC timelines. Some aspirants are reportedly delaying resignation to maintain strategic leverage in federal office until clearer party signals emerge including endorsements or zoning decisions.

Critics argue the expected exits may be symptomatic of a broader trend in which public office is seen as a stepping stone to higher political ambition rather than a platform for governance reform. Yet, analysts believe enforcement of electoral rules requiring resignations may promote fairer competition, asserting that candidates should face the electorate on equal footing without the advantages of incumbency.