Tinubu ex-ministers primary setbacks deepen as only two former cabinet members secure APC tickets ahead of the 2027 elections

Several former ministers in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu are facing uncertain political futures after resigning from the Federal Executive Council to contest elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, with only two securing party tickets so far.

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The resignations followed a presidential directive requiring political appointees seeking elective positions to step down before participating in party primaries, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

Among the affected officials were former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, former Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Yusuf Sununu, former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali, former Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu.

The Tinubu ex-ministers primary setbacks have become increasingly evident after only Onyejeocha and Sununu successfully secured party tickets.

Onyejeocha emerged unopposed as the APC candidate for the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, while Sununu clinched the ticket for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency after stepping down from the Kebbi South senatorial race.

In Oyo State, Adelabu failed in his bid to secure the APC governorship ticket after losing heavily to Senator Sarafadeen Alli.

According to the declared results, Alli polled 578,143 votes against Adelabu’s 19,193 votes.

Following the outcome, Adelabu alleged widespread irregularities and voter intimidation during the primary exercise, insisting the process did not reflect the wishes of party members.

“In some wards, our people were prevented from voting; they were intimidated, they were chased away violently,” Adelabu told journalists after the exercise.

The former minister vowed to challenge the outcome through formal petitions to the party leadership.

Similarly, Saidu Alkali lost the APC governorship primary in Gombe State after boycotting the exercise over alleged lack of fairness and credibility.

The primary was won by Jamilu Gwamna, who polled 247,161 votes, defeating Alkali and former Communications Minister Isa Pantami.

Although speculation emerged that Alkali might leave the APC, his media aide, Umar Alkali, denied the reports and clarified that the former minister merely boycotted the process without withdrawing from the race.

“He is still in the race; he only boycotted the primaries,” the aide said.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Yusuf Tuggar’s governorship ambition in Bauchi State amid reports that former governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar may emerge as the party’s consensus candidate.

Supporters of Tuggar have openly threatened to leave the APC if the party imposes a candidate without allowing a transparent contest.

Speaking on behalf of members of the Tuggar political movement, Ibrahim Malam of the Tuggar Foundation criticised what he described as attempts to undermine internal democracy within the party.

“We cannot support a party where democracy is not being practised,” he stated.

Another supporter, social media influencer Bello Adamu, popularly known as Elder Karofi, also rejected any reported consensus arrangement and warned that many loyalists could defect if the alleged imposition proceeds.

Despite the growing tension, party leaders in several states have defended the conduct of the primaries, insisting the exercises were credible and transparent.

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The Tinubu ex-ministers primary setbacks nonetheless underscore the fierce competition and deepening political realignments already shaping the build-up to the 2027 elections.