With the deadline for political appointees seeking elective positions expiring today, a wave of resignations has begun within the Federal Executive Council, signaling the start of intense political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive requiring cabinet members and other government appointees to step down before participating in party primaries has heightened expectations over who else may exit the administration in the coming days.
So far, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, have resigned their positions to pursue political ambitions.
Tuggar, an indigene of Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, officially stepped down on Monday to contest the state’s governorship election. His resignation was confirmed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, while his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, disclosed that the former minister had long nursed the ambition.
In his resignation letter, Tuggar expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, highlighting achievements recorded under his tenure, including successful evacuation of Nigerians abroad, strengthened ties with Global South partners, and diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained citizens.
Similarly, Sununu resigned on Monday to contest the Kebbi State senatorial seat. Prior to his ministerial appointment in 2023, he represented the Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chaired the Committee on Healthcare Services.
The resignations follow a directive issued by the President mandating all political appointees interested in elective offices to vacate their positions by March 31, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries.
The law requires public office holders to resign before seeking party nominations, a move aimed at preventing the misuse of government resources during the electoral process.
Beyond the ministers, several other appointees have also stepped down. Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and a former Kano State deputy governor, submitted his resignation in compliance with the directive.
Sources indicate that Gawuna is set to defect to the African Democratic Congress as part of a broader political realignment linked to former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
In the same vein, Abdulrazak Namdas, a member of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission representing the North-East Zone, resigned to pursue his ambition of contesting the Adamawa State governorship.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Nasir Ja’oji, has stepped down, expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve.
As the resignation window closes, attention has shifted to other cabinet members believed to be weighing their political options. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who has declared interest in the Oyo State governorship, is reportedly consulting widely before making a final decision.
Likewise, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, is said to be engaging stakeholders over a possible Ogun State governorship bid, while the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, is believed to be positioning for the Gombe State governorship race.
Other potential contenders include the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, who is being mentioned as a possible successor to the Borno State governor, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who is reportedly considering contesting in Abia State.
However, indications suggest that some aspirants may reconsider their ambitions amid shifting political dynamics and the absence of clear endorsements.
The growing number of resignations is expected to trigger a cabinet reshuffle in the coming weeks as the administration adjusts to the emerging political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
