Fresh political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections are pitching some of President Bola Tinubu’s former ministers against powerful forces in their home states. Vanguard reports that at least four ex‑ministers nursing governorship or senatorial ambitions are expected to resign and immediately confront entrenched party structures and sitting governors.
The affected states include Kano Abia Bauchi Gombe Kebbi and Adamawa where local dynamics and existing rivalries could complicate their paths to party tickets. In several of these states, incumbent governors and influential bloc leaders are said to be uncomfortable with the growing profiles of the former federal appointees.
According to the report, some state party leaders fear that a direct entry of ex‑ministers into the 2027 race could upset delicate zoning arrangements and existing succession understandings. This has raised the prospect of silent feuds between the presidency’s allies and entrenched state power brokers over control of party structures and tickets.
Analysts quoted in the story say the former ministers will have to prove their performance in office and build strong grassroots alliances if they hope to dislodge incumbents or preferred candidates in the primaries. With President Tinubu expected to play a balancing role, observers predict intense negotiations, realignments and possible defections as the contest for 2027 gathers pace.
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