According to Daily Trust, at least seven ministers in President Tinubu’s cabinet are positioning for 2027 governorship races, leveraging federal roles to build state influence. From Oyo’s Adebayo Adelabu (Power) to Borno’s Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture), these appointees, many of whom lost in 2023, are banking on APC’s federal might and zoning dynamics to unseat incumbents or secure open seats. With term limits forcing exits in key states, the battle lines are being drawn early.
Top Contenders:- Adebayo Adelabu (Power): Eyes Oyo after two failed bids, now back in APC.
- Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs): Rebuilding the Plateau support post-2023 loss.
- Bello Matawalle (Defence): Plans Zamfara comeback after losing re-election.
- Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture): Borno’s ex-APC chairman now a strong favorite.
- Heineken Lokpobiri (Petroleum): Bayelsa bid backed by Wike’s influence.
Strategy Playbook:- Federal Leverage: Using ministries to distribute patronage (e.g., Niger’s Malagi placing allies in NTA, development commissions).
- Zoning Calculations: Targeting states where incumbents are term-limited (Oyo, Zamfara) or where the APC lacks control (Plateau).
- Opposition Weakening: Exploiting PDP crises (e.g., Lokpobiri vs. Diri in Bayelsa).
Historical Trend:- Ministerial roles have long been stepping stones to governorships (e.g., Wike, Ortom, Kwankwaso).
- Ruling parties often use federal appointments to weaken opposition states.
In Nigerian politics, today’s minister could be tomorrow’s governor—if the calculations align.
