With the deadline for political appointees seeking elective offices expiring today, anticipation has intensified over a wave of resignations ahead of the 2027 general election.
The directive has fuelled widespread speculation within government circles, as top officials weigh their political ambitions against their current roles.
Already, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, have stepped down from the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue elective offices, according to reports.
Confirming Tuggar’s exit, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told journalists that the minister has resigned.
“The resignation of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs is confirmed.”
In a separate statement, his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, revealed the minister’s political ambition, stating, “The minister is interested and aspires to run for the governorship seat of Bauchi State.”
Tuggar, who hails from Bauchi State, expressed appreciation to the president in his resignation letter, saying, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s 4D foreign policy strategy.”
His tenure, according to the ministry, recorded key achievements, including the evacuation of Nigerians from crisis zones abroad, stronger engagement with Global South partners, and diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained citizens overseas.
Also, Sununu, who resigned, is seeking a senatorial seat in Kebbi State. Prior to his ministerial appointment, he served in the House of Representatives, where he chaired the Committee on Healthcare Services.
The resignation directive was issued through a circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana.
The circular stated that the directive was “pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Under the law, political appointees must resign before participating in party primaries to prevent the misuse of public office and state resources.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed party primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with deadlines for submission of candidates set for July 11 (presidential and National Assembly) and August 8 (governorship and state assembly).
Other appointees have also complied with the directive. The chairman of the governing board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Nasiru Gawuna, confirmed his resignation in a letter dated March 27, 2026.
“My resignation is in strict compliance with the president’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” he said.
Sources indicated that his move may also be linked to plans to join the African Democratic Congress, aligning with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
As the deadline lapses, more resignations are expected today, underscoring the early political manoeuvring and realignments shaping the build-up to the 2027 election.
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