Political gamble backfires as ex-ministers lose governorship bids after leaving Tinubu cabinet

A high-stakes political gamble by three former members of President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council has ended in disappointment after their resignations to pursue governorship ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections failed to translate into party tickets.

Former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali all stepped down from their federal appointments in line with electoral requirements before entering the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in their respective states.

However, the move has proven costly, with the trio falling short in highly competitive party primaries and internal selection processes.

In Oyo State, Adelabu’s bid to secure the APC governorship ticket collapsed after he was defeated at the party primary by Senator Sarafadeen Alli. Despite a high-profile campaign and early momentum following his resignation from the federal cabinet, he failed to secure enough delegate support to clinch the nomination.

In Bauchi State, Yusuf Tuggar’s governorship ambition was derailed amid a disputed internal arrangement within the APC, which his supporters have rejected, alleging that the process lacked transparency and was skewed in favour of a rival aspirant through a consensus-style selection.

In Gombe State, Saidu Alkali exited the race altogether, withdrawing from the primary exercise shortly before voting commenced. He cited concerns over the credibility and fairness of the process, leaving Jamilu Gwamna as the dominant contender backed by key party stakeholders.

The outcomes highlight the risks faced by high-ranking federal appointees who abandon secure cabinet positions to navigate the often unpredictable terrain of state-level party politics, where influence is heavily dependent on local structures and delegate networks.

While none of the affected former ministers have indicated plans to leave the ruling party, their failed bids mark a significant setback in their political trajectories ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the APC continues to consolidate its candidate selection process across the country.