Ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly ordering at least seven ministries and a number of political appointees to leave the Federal Government.
All political appointees seeking elective office are required by the directive to resign by March 31, 2026, at the latest.
The directive, found in a circular sent by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is consistent with the schedule published by the Independent National Electoral Commission and Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Party primaries are scheduled to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Candidates must submit their names by July 11 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and August 8 for the state assembly and governorship elections.
Party primaries are scheduled to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Candidates must submit their names by July 11 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and August 8 for the state assembly and governorship elections.
Ministers, ministers of state, special advisors, senior special assistants, heads of agencies, and other presidential appointees are covered by the circular, which was issued by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana and signed by SGF George Akume.
According to the circular, “all affected officials must submit their formal resignation letters… by March 31, 2026.”
According to President Tinubu, the directive’s goals were to guarantee adherence to electoral laws and encourage fair competition.
Ministers Seeking Governorships
Several cabinet ministers are already vying for important elective positions, especially governorship seats, according to investigations conducted by Daily Trust.
Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, is seen by many as a front-runner for the governorship of Oyo State.
“I’ve been traveling for a long now… However, God has revealed that it is my turn in 2027. It’s time for Adelabu,” he declared.
In a similar vein, Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, is allegedly contacting interested parties regarding a potential bid for the Ogun governorship.
Saidu Alkali, the minister of transportation in Gombe, is also reportedly getting ready for the top position in the state; sources claim he has started writing handover notes.
With two ministers connected to the race, the competition in Bauchi State seems to be intensifying.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, is reportedly considering running for governor.
“I can… assure you that he wants to run… but he will first seek clearance and blessing from the president,” a close associate affirmed.
According to reports, Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is also considering the same role; campaign materials have already been made public throughout the state.
Top presidential advisers are also thought to be considering their options, in addition to ministers.
Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the President’s Principal Private Secretary, has not officially announced his intention to run for governor of Lagos, but it is widely believed that he is a front-runner.
According to reports, other appointments, such as senior aides and agency heads, are also getting ready to step down in accordance with the mandate.
Focus on Senate and House Seats
Legislative posts are the goal of some appointees. According to reports, Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is considering running for the Plateau North Senate seat.
Nasir Ja’oji, a presidential advisor, and Hafizu Ibrahim Kawu, a commissioner at the National Pension Commission, are reportedly interested in the Tarauni federal constituency seat in Kano.
In a same vein, Jabiru Tsauri of AUDA-NEPAD is rumored to be considering a Katsina senatorial seat.
Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture of Borno, is being considered as a possible replacement for Governor Babagana Zulum.
Several appointees in Benue have expressed interest in running for governor, including Pius Akutah of the Nigerian Shippers Council and Dr. Mathias Byuan of the Federal Housing Authority.
“Hope rekindled; Benue restored is not just a slogan; it is a promise of renewal,” Akutah declared.
Adamawa and Kwara Contenders Appear
Among individuals connected to the governorship contest in Kwara State are Abubakar Suleiman, the director general of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, and Lanre Issa-Onilu, the director general of the National Orientation Agency.
Supporters in Adamawa are also encouraging Ahmed Galadima Aminu, the leader of the PTDF, to run.
Dr. Usman Tunga has already left his position as rector of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic in Kebbi State to run for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, has defended a similar order in his state, claiming it was not intended to penalize political appointees.
This is a principled decision rather than a punitive one. It guarantees a level playing field and is in line with international best practices,” he stated.
He asked impacted authorities to put governance ahead of self-interest.
“Let’s maintain selfless service, discipline, and accountability.” Personal desire must always be subordinated to the advancement of our beloved state,” he continued.
The focus is now on which ministers and appointments will resign to pursue their political aspirations as the deadline of March 31 draws near.
The anticipated wave of resignations is probably going to change the Federal Executive Council’s makeup and mark the start of significant political realignments before 2027.
