2027: Seven Ministers, Other Appointees May Quit As Tinubu Orders Resignations

There are indications that at least seven ministers and several political appointees may soon resign from the Federal Government following a directive by President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The directive mandates all political appointees seeking elective offices to step down on or before March 31, 2026.

The order, contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to the schedule, party primaries are expected to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while candidates’ names must be submitted by July 11 for presidential and National Assembly elections, and August 8 for governorship and state assembly polls.

The circular, signed by SGF George Akume and issued by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, applies to ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, heads of agencies and other presidential appointees.

“All affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters… not later than March 31, 2026,” the circular stated.

President Tinubu said the directive was aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws and promoting a level playing field.

Ministers Eyeing Governorship Seats

Investigations carried out by Daily Trust revealed that several cabinet members are already positioning for key elective offices, particularly governorship seats.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is widely seen as a leading contender for the Oyo State governorship.

“I have been on this journey for a while now… But this 2027, God has shown that it’s my turn. It’s Adelabu time,” he said.

Similarly, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, is reportedly consulting stakeholders over a possible bid for the Ogun governorship.

In Gombe, the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, is also believed to be preparing for the state’s top job, with sources saying he has begun drafting handover notes.

In Bauchi State, the contest appears to be heating up, with two ministers linked to the race.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, is said to be interested in the governorship.

A close associate confirmed, “I can… assure you that he wants to run… but he will first seek clearance and blessing from the president.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is also reportedly eyeing the same position, with campaign materials already visible across the state.

Beyond ministers, top presidential aides are also believed to be weighing their chances.

The Principal Private Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, is widely speculated to be a frontrunner for the Lagos governorship, though he has yet to declare his intention.

Other appointees, including heads of agencies and senior aides, are also reportedly preparing to resign in compliance with the directive.

Senate, House Seats In Focus

Some appointees are targeting legislative positions. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, is reportedly eyeing the Plateau North senatorial seat.

In Kano, Hafizu Ibrahim Kawu, a commissioner at the National Pension Commission, and Nasir Ja’oji, a presidential aide, are both said to be interested in the Tarauni federal constituency seat.

Similarly, Jabiru Tsauri of AUDA-NEPAD is believed to be eyeing a senatorial seat in Katsina.

In Borno, the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, is being touted as a potential successor to Governor Babagana Zulum.

In Benue, multiple appointees, including Dr Mathias Byuan of the Federal Housing Authority and Pius Akutah of the Nigerian Shippers Council, have declared interest in the governorship race.

Akutah said, “Hope rekindled; Benue restored is not just a slogan; it is a promise of renewal.”

Kwara, Adamawa Contenders Emerge

In Kwara State, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the DG of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abubakar Suleiman, are among those linked to the governorship race.

In Adamawa, the PTDF boss, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, is also being urged by supporters to contest.

In Kebbi State, Dr Usman Tunga has already resigned as rector of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic to contest for a House of Representatives seat.

Meanwhile, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has defended a similar directive in his state, insisting it was not meant to punish political appointees.

“This decision is not punitive; it is principled. It aligns with global best practices and ensures a level playing field,” he said.

He urged affected officials to prioritise governance over personal ambition.

“Let us uphold accountability, discipline and selfless service. The progress of our dear state must always come before personal ambition,” he added.

With the March 31 deadline fast approaching, attention is now on which ministers and appointees will step down to pursue their political ambitions.

The expected wave of resignations is likely to reshape the composition of the Federal Executive Council and signal the beginning of intense political realignments ahead of 2027.