Following the recent directive by Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in 2027 to resign on or before March 31, 2026, there are indications that at least seven ministers may be on their way out, as reported by Daily Trust.
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Party primaries for elective positions are expected to be held between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while the names of candidates are to be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by July 11 for presidential and National Assembly elections, and by August 8 for governorship and House of Assembly elections.
Daily Trust correspondents report that, ahead of the 2027 general elections, other presidential appointees apart from ministers are also eyeing various elective positions and are expected to resign.
They include ministers of state, special advisers to the president, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, directors-general, and chief executive officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies, as well as other political appointees.
The directive, announced in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana, stated that the directive applies to all categories of presidential political appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest any elective office.
According to the circular, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026.
President Tinubu said the measure was necessary to ensure compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.
He urged all concerned officials to ensure strict compliance, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
Appointees Likely to Resign
Bayo Adelabu (Oyo State)
The Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, is a strong contender for the Oyo State governorship. A two-time candidate, he is positioning himself for another run in 2027.
Bosun Tijani (Ogun State)
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, is reportedly consulting widely ahead of a possible governorship bid.
Hakeem Muri-Okunola (Lagos State)
Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Private Secretary to the President, is seen as a leading contender for the Lagos governorship, though he has yet to declare.
Saidu Alkali (Gombe State)
Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, is believed to be working towards securing the APC governorship ticket in Gombe.
Muhammad Ali Pate & Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Bauchi State)
The Coordinating Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, are both linked to the Bauchi governorship race.
Bernard Doro (Plateau State)
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, is reportedly eyeing a senatorial seat.
Abubakar Kyari (Borno State)
Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, is considered a potential successor to Governor Babagana Zulum.
Other Political Appointees
Beyond ministers, several other appointees are also positioning for elective offices:
Mathias Byuan and Pius Akutah (Benue governorship)
Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu and Nasir Bala Aminu Jaoji (Kano House of Representatives)
Jabiru Salisu Tsauri (Katsina Senate)
Ahmed Galadima Aminu (Adamawa governorship)
Issa Onilu and Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman (Kwara governorship)
In Kebbi, Usman Sani Tunga has already resigned as rector to contest a House of Representatives seat.
Reactions and Analysis
Governor Bassey Otu clarified that a similar directive in his state is not punitive but aimed at protecting governance integrity.
Political analysts have expressed mixed views.
Dr. Sani Abubakar described the directive as reinforcing accountability and fairness, while Zainab Musa argued it may be largely symbolic and could carry political undertones depending on its implementation.
Both analysts agreed that strict compliance will be key in testing the administration’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law ahead of the 2027 elections.
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