As the countdown to 2027 quietly gathers momentum, fresh signals from Abuja suggest that the coming days may reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, starting from within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.
Findings by TodaySplash indicate that a number of key ministers are weighing their next political moves, with some expected to step down ahead of the March 31 deadline set by the Presidency for appointees nursing electoral ambitions.
The directive, conveyed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation under George Akume, aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), effectively drawing a line between governance and politicking.
But beyond the official communication lies a deeper political reality 2027 has begun.
Adelabu in Focus as Oyo Battle Reignites
At the center of attention is the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, whose political body language continues to point strongly toward another governorship run in Oyo State.
For many observers, Adelabu’s anticipated move is not a surprise but a continuation of a long-standing ambition. Having contested twice, first under the APC in 2019 and later under the Accord Party in 2023, his persistence has gradually built him a loyal political base.
Insiders say his possible resignation could mark the formal re-entry into the Oyo governorship race, setting the stage for what may become one of the most closely watched contests in the South-West.
His earlier declaration, “it is my turn” still echoes in political circles, reinforcing the belief that 2027 is a battle he is determined to fight with renewed strength.
Beyond Oyo: Ministers Testing Political Waters
Adelabu is not alone.
Across the country, subtle consultations, endorsements, and pressure from support groups suggest that several ministers are positioning themselves for governorship races in their respective states.
The Coordinating Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, is again being projected by stakeholders in Bauchi as a credible option for leadership, drawing from his blend of local and international experience.
Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, is quietly gaining attention in Borno, with political groups already floating his name as a potential successor in the state.
In Gombe, the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, is believed to be consolidating his structure, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, may also re-enter the Bauchi governorship race, setting up a possible high-profile contest.
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, the tech-driven Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, is being quietly mentioned in political conversations, though he has yet to make any formal move.
A Defining Moment for Tinubu’s Cabinet
For the Tinubu administration, the March 31 deadline is more than a routine directive, it is a test of loyalty, ambition, and political timing.
For the ministers, however, it is a moment of decision.
Resign and return to the trenches of electoral politics, or remain in the cabinet and delay personal ambitions.
As TodaySplash findings suggest, the coming days may not just witness resignations, but the official unveiling of 2027 battle lines.
And in states like Oyo, all eyes are already watching.
