Full List: Tinubu’s Former Ministers Who Suffered Sh*cking Defeat In 2027 Primaries

A number of ministers had resigned from the Federal Executive Council following a directive from the Presidency requiring political appointees seeking elective offices to step down before participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

However, the outcome of the primaries has left some of the former ministers without both cabinet positions and party tickets.

Out of the five ex-ministers who resigned, only two have successfully secured APC nominations so far.

Those who stepped down include former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, former Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and former Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Yusuf Sununu.

While Onyejeocha and Sununu secured APC tickets in Abia and Kebbi States respectively, Adelabu, Alkali, and Tuggar were either defeated or left facing uncertain political futures.

Adelabu loses Oyo governorship ticket

Former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu resigned to contest the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State but was defeated by Senator Sarafadeen Alli in the primary election.

Alli reportedly polled 578,143 votes, while Adelabu secured 19,193 votes.

Before the primary, Adelabu dismissed claims that President Tinubu had endorsed his opponent, insisting that he had the President’s support to pursue his ambition.

He later alleged irregularities, intimidation, and manipulation after losing the contest.

Alkali finishes third in Gombe

Former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali also resigned to contest the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State but lost out in a race won by Jamilu Gwamna.

He ultimately placed third behind former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami.

The election committee said some withdrawal notices were submitted, but they came after voting had already begun, meaning votes were still recorded.

Tuggar loses Bauchi governorship race

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar resigned in compliance with the March 31 deadline, formally submitting his resignation on March 30, 2026.

He described his exit as the end of a significant chapter in public service and thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.

Tuggar, a former House of Representatives member and Nigeria’s former ambassador to Germany, eventually lost the APC governorship ticket in Bauchi State to former governor Mohammed Abubakar.

According to the APC election committee, Abubakar secured 57,517 votes, while Tuggar polled 26,001 votes.