By Bisola Adeyemo
Lagos, April.1, ’26 (TNZ) Ahead of deadline, two ministers with electoral ambitions in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet have resigned their appointments.
TheNewsZenith reports that the ministers’ resignation follows a directive issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.
The directive requires all political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down by March 31.
As the deadline for cabinet members and political appointees expired, there are speculations over who will step aside to pursue elective offices ahead of the 2027 polls.
Akume’s directive is backed by Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
The section aims to prevent the misuse of public office and state resources during party primaries scheduled between April 23 and May 30.
Already, two key ministers have turned in their resignation letters.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, resigned to pursue the Bauchi State governorship.
Also, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, stepped down to contest a senatorial seat in Kebbi.
Tuggar’s spokesperson told The Punch that his decision was driven by “aspiration to serve Bauchi State”. On his part, Sununu cited his legislative background as a reason for his resignation.
In a statement by his media adviser, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve in that capacity.
The minister highlighted achievements under his tenure, including humanitarian evacuations, diaspora engagement, and diplomatic interventions.
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Meanwhile, Sununu, who previously represented Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also formalised his exit from the cabinet,
He cited his ambition to return to legislative politics.
Beyond the cabinet, other appointees have followed suit by tendering their resignations.
TheNewsZenith reports that former Kano Deputy Governor, Nasiru Gawuna, resigned in compliance with the SGF’s directive. He doubles as the Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank.
Sources suggest that Gawuna may defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down.
“This is in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” TheNewsZenith quotes Gawuna as saying.
Similarly, AbdulRazak Namdas, a board member of the Niger Delta Development Commission, resigned to pursue the Adamawa governorship seat.
A Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Nasir Ja’oji, also tendered his resignation. More resignations are likely to come in as the deadline closes.
Political analysts believe more ministers, including Adebayo Adelabu (Power), Bosun Tijani (Communications), and Saidu Alkali (Transportation), among others, are reportedly weighing governorship or senatorial bids in their respective states.
These waves of resignations are set to trigger a major cabinet reshuffle, as analysts predict significant political realignments as party primaries approach. (TNZ)
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