Several Nigerian federal ministers and political appointees have resigned following a directive from President Bola Tinubu requiring officeholders seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to step down. The recently passed deadline has initiated a series of departures that will reshape the federal cabinet and influence key state-level political contests.
The resignations comply with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits public officeholders from participating in party primaries until they formally vacate their appointments. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), party primaries for the 2027 cycle are scheduled between April 23 and May 30, with candidate submission deadlines set for mid-July and early August.
Among those who have stepped down is Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali, who intends to run for governor of Gombe State. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has also resigned to pursue the Bauchi State governorship, while Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Yusuf Sununu is targeting a Senate seat in Kebbi State. Additional departures include board chairmen and presidential aides who have either switched political parties or announced bids for legislative positions.
Several high-profile appointees remain in office, including Health Minister Mohammed Pate, Power Minister Bayo Adelabu, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Their continued presence suggests they may have postponed or abandoned electoral ambitions, as the presidency has not extended the resignation deadline. Other ministers, such as Communications Minister Bosun Tijani and Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari, are reportedly exploring potential bids in Ogun and Borno states, respectively.
These departures represent an early phase of political realignment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. As the federal government prepares to fill vacant cabinet positions, political stakeholders in multiple states are adjusting their campaign strategies. The transition will likely influence party primary outcomes and determine the competitive landscape for governorship and legislative races in the coming electoral cycle.
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