The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has dismissed speculations that he may resign from office to pursue the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The rumour, which spread on social media, claimed that the minister was considering stepping down from his current position in order to prepare for a possible governorship ambition in Lagos.
Reacting on his verified X account, formerly known as Twitter, Alausa denied the claim. Tagging the originator of the post, he wrote, “We’re still hard at work here at the FME, don’t believe the rumours.”
The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) is responsible for policy direction and oversight of Nigeria’s education system at the federal level. Since his appointment, Alausa has been involved in ongoing reforms aimed at addressing issues such as access to quality education, teacher welfare and the funding of tertiary institutions.
The rumour sparked online discussions, especially as political activities and early calculations for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape.
The clarification was reinforced by the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, who also dismissed the claim.
Olusegun quoted the speculation post and shared a video showing Alausa at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. In his caption, he wrote, “Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa currently at the Federal Executive Council Meeting.”
The FEC meeting, usually presided over by President Bola Tinubu, is where major policy decisions and approvals are made by the Federal Government. Attendance at the meeting was seen by observers as a clear sign that the minister remains fully engaged in his duties.
The rumour reportedly started from a post by an APC supporter on X, Imran Muhammad, who wrote that the minister “may resign in order to pursue his Lagos State governorship ambition.”
According to the post, it is customary for public office holders to resign before starting campaigns for another political office. In Nigeria, certain appointed officials are indeed expected to step down before contesting elective positions, in line with electoral guidelines and party rules.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official indication from Alausa or the Presidency that he plans to leave his current role.
Political observers say such rumours are common as election seasons approach. Even though the 2027 general elections are still some distance away, early alignments and consultations often begin years before the actual polls.
Alausa was appointed Minister of Education on October 23, 2024, following a cabinet reshuffle by President Tinubu. Before that, he served as Minister of State for Health. His redeployment to the education ministry was part of efforts by the administration to strengthen performance across key sectors.
Since assuming office, he has spoken about improving standards in federal universities and colleges, addressing strikes in tertiary institutions and reviewing policies affecting basic education.
Although Alausa has denied any resignation plan, his name has been mentioned among possible contenders for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and most populous state, remains one of the most politically important states in the country. The governorship race in the state often attracts strong interest because of its economic strength and political influence.
Among those speculated to be potential APC flagbearers are Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Lagos Head of Service Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Seyi Tinubu, and former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
While none of these individuals has formally declared an intention to run, discussions within party circles and on social media have continued to grow.
Lagos politics has historically been shaped by strong party structures and influential leaders. Since 1999, the state has largely remained under the control of the APC and its predecessor parties. The state’s political direction is often seen as important to national politics because of its voting strength and economic role.
For now, Alausa appears focused on his current responsibilities. The education sector faces several ongoing challenges, including funding gaps, infrastructure deficits and demands from academic unions. The Federal Government has been under pressure to improve learning outcomes and reduce disruptions in public universities.
Education stakeholders say continuity in leadership at the ministry is important as reforms are being discussed and implemented.
Some party members in Lagos have also cautioned against early campaigns, noting that the focus should remain on governance at both federal and state levels.
As political conversations continue to build ahead of 2027, the denial by Alausa and the quick response from the Presidency suggest that the administration wants to avoid distractions.
With more than two years to the next general elections, it remains to be seen how the political landscape in Lagos will evolve. For now, the Minister of Education has made it clear that he is staying in office and concentrating on his assignment at the Federal Ministry of Education.
Whether his name will continue to feature in discussions about the 2027 Lagos governorship race may depend on future political developments. But as it stands, there is no sign that he is preparing to resign or launch any campaign.
