The 2027 All Progressives Congress primary elections have delivered significant shocks, as several former ministers who resigned from President Bola Tinubu's cabinet have failed to secure their party's tickets. Among those who lost their bids are former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar.
Background of Resignations
Five former cabinet members stepped down from their positions after President Tinubu directed political appointees seeking elective offices to resign before participating in party primaries, in line with the Electoral Act 2026. The affected individuals included Yusuf Tuggar, who resigned to contest the APC governorship ticket in Bauchi State; Yusuf Sununu, who pursued the Kebbi senatorial ticket; Saidu Alkali, who sought the Gombe governorship ticket; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who aimed for the House of Representatives ticket in Abia State; and Adebayo Adelabu, who contested the Oyo governorship primaries.
Adelabu Loses Oyo Ticket
Former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu resigned to contest the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State but was defeated by Senator Sarafadeen Alli. Alli polled 578,143 votes, while Adelabu managed only 19,193 votes. After the loss, Adelabu rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities, intimidation, and manipulation during the exercise. He vowed to challenge the result and announced plans to petition the party leadership at the national level.
Alkali Comes Third in Gombe
Former Transport Minister Saidu Alkali also failed to secure the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State. He boycotted the primary process over alleged irregularities. The winner was Jamilu Gwamna, backed by incumbent Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who polled 247,161 votes. Alkali came third with 11,612 votes, behind former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Professor Isa Pantami, who scored 12,120 votes. Alkali had earlier criticized the primaries for lacking fairness, inclusivity, and credibility.
Tuggar Loses Bauchi Primary
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar was among the early appointees who complied with the president's directive to resign before March 31, 2027. However, he lost the APC governorship primary in Bauchi State to former Governor Mohammed Abubakar. Abubakar secured 57,517 votes, while Tuggar came second with 26,001 votes. Other contenders included Nura Manu Soro (13,638 votes), Bala Maijama'a A. Wunti (13,648 votes), Kabir Baba Ma'aji (8,157 votes), Baba Abubakar Suleiman (7,688 votes), and Yakubu Yakubu Abdullahi (7,181 votes). Tuggar had formally submitted his resignation letter on March 30, 2026.
Of the five former ministers who resigned, only Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and Yusuf Sununu successfully secured their party tickets. The losses of Adelabu, Alkali, and Tuggar have left their political futures uncertain, with some vowing to challenge the primary results.
