With a government-imposed deadline expiring Tuesday, expectations are rising over which political appointees will resign to pursue elective offices ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The directive, issued by the administration of Bola Tinubu, requires cabinet members and other political appointees seeking elective positions to step down by March 31. The order has fueled speculation across government and political circles.
Two ministers have already resigned. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stepped down Monday to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State, according to a ministry statement. The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, also resigned to contest a senatorial seat in Kebbi State.
In his resignation letter, Tuggar thanked the president for the opportunity to serve, highlighting achievements including evacuations of Nigerians abroad, expanded diaspora engagement and diplomatic efforts that secured the release of detained citizens.
The directive is based on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates that political appointees resign before participating in party primaries or being nominated for elective office. The provision is intended to prevent the use of public office and state resources to gain an unfair advantage.
The order applies to ministers, advisers and heads of government agencies, among others. According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, party primaries are scheduled from April 23 to May 30, with candidate submissions due by July 11 for presidential and National Assembly elections and Aug. 8 for governorship and state assembly races.
Other resignations have also been recorded. Nasiru Gawuna, chairman of the governing board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, resigned in compliance with the directive. He is expected to defect to the African Democratic Congress, aligning with former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Abdulrazak Namdas, a governing board member of the Niger Delta Development Commission, also resigned to pursue an elective office, reportedly the governorship of Adamawa State. Similarly, Nasir Ja’oji, senior special assistant to the president on citizenship and leadership, stepped down over the weekend.
More resignations are expected before the deadline. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who has declared interest in the governorship of Oyo State, is still consulting. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, is also weighing a possible run in Ogun State, while the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, is reportedly positioning for the governorship of Gombe State.
The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, is being considered as a potential successor to Babagana Zulum in Borno State, while the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, is reportedly considering a bid in Abia State.
Some potential aspirants, however, are said to be reconsidering their plans amid shifting political dynamics.
The wave of resignations is expected to trigger a reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council in the coming weeks.
