[BREAKING] 2027: Ministers who may resign before Tinubu’s March 31 deadline

According to report by Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, March 22, 2026, there is anticipation that six cabinet members appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may resign before to the March 31st deadline for those who want to run in the 2027 general election.

Under the order from George Akume’s Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, all impacted officials are required to step down before running in the party primary.

Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 and the schedule announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are both met by this action.

The directive is widely applicable to ministers, special advisers, senior aides, and leaders of federal agencies, according to a circular signed by Akume and delivered by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana.

The deadline for all relevant officials to submit their resignation letters is March 31, 2026. As they are ready to run for governor in their respective states as All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, the focus has turned to the ministers who are sure to cooperate.

1. It is commonly anticipated that Bayo Adelabu, who is Minister of Power, will leave the cabinet. He is well-established in Oyo State politics, having served as the bank’s deputy governor and having run for governor twice before (in 2019 and 2023). He has made it clear that he plans to seek for office again in 2027.

2. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, is still a formidable political opponent in Bauchi. The groups who backed his first candidacy for governor are still endorsing him to run again.

3. The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, is still another possible contender. Many have speculated that he could replace Babagana Zulum as governor of Borno State due to his extensive political career, which has included stints in the National Assembly and the APC leadership.

Using his background as a former senator and commissioner.

4. Saidu Alkali is reportedly trying to get the APC nomination for governor of Gombe State.

5. Another possible resignation target is Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who has long aspired to be the governor of Bauchi State and is widely seen as a formidable contender for the office.

6. Ogun State governorship hopes have been rumoured to involve Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy; however, Tijani has not officially announced his intentions.

A number of ministers are assessing their prospects and getting ready for the next stage of Nigeria’s election cycle as the deadline draws near.