The decision by some former ministers under President Bola Tinubu to resign from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) ahead of the 2027 elections has yielded mixed outcomes, with only two securing party tickets in the ongoing primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
No fewer than five cabinet members stepped down following a presidential directive mandating political appointees seeking elective positions to resign before participating in primaries, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
Among those who resigned were former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who is contesting the APC governorship ticket in Bauchi State; 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.
Onyejeocha, Sununu clinch tickets
Out of the five, only Onyejeocha and Sununu have so far emerged successful.
Onyejeocha secured the APC ticket for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State after running unopposed.
Sununu also clinched the ticket for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in Kebbi State, having stepped down from the Kebbi South senatorial race.
Adelabu loses Oyo governorship ticket
In Oyo State, Adelabu failed to secure the APC governorship ticket, losing to Senator Sarafadeen Alli, who polled 578,143 votes.
Reacting to the outcome, Adelabu alleged widespread irregularities, claiming that the exercise did not reflect the will of party members.
“In some wards, our people were prevented from voting; they were intimidated, they were chased away violently. And in some wards, voting did not take place at all, but they recorded numbers for them,” he said.
He added that his camp would challenge the result before the party’s national leadership.
Alkali boycotts, loses Gombe race
Similarly, Alkali lost the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State after boycotting the primary over alleged irregularities.
The contest was won by Jamilu Gwamna, who is backed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, polling 247,161 votes against Alkali’s 11,612 votes.
A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, came second with 12,120 votes.
Alkali had earlier rejected the process, alleging it lacked fairness, inclusivity and credibility, and failed to meet democratic standards.
Tuggar’s fate uncertain
Meanwhile, the fate of Tuggar in Bauchi State remains unclear, as his supporters have threatened to leave the APC if the party imposes a governorship candidate.
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