A series of calculated resignations from President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council has ended in political disappointment, after former ministers who left their cabinet roles to pursue governorship tickets under the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to secure nominations in key states ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali all exited the federal cabinet in compliance with electoral rules requiring appointees seeking elective office to step down before participating in party primaries.

But the transition from federal office to state-level contests has proven difficult, as each of the three politicians encountered resistance within their respective state party structures.

In Oyo State, Adelabu’s governorship ambition ended in defeat at the APC primary, where Senator Sarafadeen Alli emerged as the party’s candidate. Despite a well-funded campaign and visibility built during his tenure in the federal cabinet, Adelabu was unable to secure sufficient support from party delegates.

In Bauchi State, Yusuf Tuggar’s bid for the governorship ticket was stalled by internal party arrangements that favoured a rival aspirant. His supporters have since rejected the outcome, describing the process as flawed and lacking transparency, while party leadership maintained that the selection reflected a consensus decision.

In Gombe State, Saidu Alkali’s ambition unraveled even before voting took place. He withdrew from the primary contest, citing concerns over fairness and the integrity of the exercise, effectively conceding ground to Jamilu Gwamna, who had strong backing from influential party stakeholders in the state.

The developments highlight the unpredictable nature of internal party politics, where former federal officials often lose the structural advantage they enjoy in Abuja when competing in state-level delegate systems dominated by local alliances.

Although the affected politicians remain within the APC, their failed governorship bids represent a significant setback in their political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the party continues its nationwide candidate selection process.