AS the federal government’s deadline for political appointees seeking elective offices expired on Tuesday, only two ministers in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had formally resigned, raising questions about compliance and the political calculations shaping the race ahead of the 2027 general elections, News Point Nigeria reports.
The directive, which required all appointees with political ambitions to vacate their positions on or before March 31, 2026, had triggered widespread speculation within government circles and across Nigeria’s political landscape. However, expectations of a mass exodus from the cabinet fell short, with only the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, stepping down.
Tuggar, who hails from Bauchi State, submitted his resignation on Monday to pursue his governorship ambition in the state under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His resignation was confirmed by his ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, and later reinforced in an official statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
In his resignation letter, Tuggar expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, highlighting his role in advancing Nigeria’s “4D foreign policy” and achievements such as evacuating Nigerians from crisis zones, strengthening diaspora engagement, and securing diplomatic interventions for detained citizens abroad.
Similarly, Sununu resigned to contest the Kebbi State senatorial seat. Before his ministerial appointment in 2023, he served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency, where he chaired the Committee on Healthcare Services.
The resignation directive was issued through a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The law mandates political appointees—including ministers, advisers, and heads of government agencies—to resign before participating in party primaries or contesting elections. The provision is intended to ensure a level playing field and prevent the misuse of public office and resources during electoral processes.
According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with deadlines for submission of candidates set for July and August.
Beyond the two ministers, several other political appointees have also stepped down in compliance with the directive.
Among them is Nasiru Gawuna, former Kano State deputy governor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), who resigned on March 27.
In his resignation letter, Gawuna stated that his decision was in strict adherence to the President’s directive and electoral laws. However, sources indicate that his resignation is also linked to an impending political realignment, as he is expected to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in alliance with former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Also resigning is Abdulrazak Namdas, a governing board member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who is believed to be preparing for the Adamawa State governorship race.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Nasir Bala Aminu (Ja’oji), tendered his resignation over the weekend, citing his intention to pursue political ambitions.
Despite the clear directive, many ministers and top appointees are yet to resign, with insiders attributing the hesitation to uncertainty over party support and political risks.
Several cabinet members reportedly fear stepping down without guarantees of securing party tickets or backing from key political stakeholders.
Among those said to be weighing their options are the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who has expressed interest in the Oyo governorship; Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, linked to Ogun State politics; and Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, reportedly eyeing the Gombe governorship.
Others include the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, considered a potential successor in Borno State, and Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who is reportedly exploring options in Abia State.
Sources suggest that the absence of clear endorsements or “green light” from the presidency and party leadership has contributed to the cautious approach adopted by many aspirants.
The situation, however, is expected to trigger a reshuffle within the Federal Executive Council in the coming weeks, as more resignations may follow and the administration adjusts to the emerging political realities.