At least seven ministers and several heads of federal agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies are set to leave President Bola Tinubu’s administration as the March 31, 2026, deadline for political appointees intending to contest the 2027 general elections draws near, According to dailytrust.
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The directive, issued through a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation signed by SGF George Akume and issued by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana, requires all categories of presidential political appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest any elective office to submit formal resignation letters through the SGF’s office by March 31.
The order is anchored on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the INEC timetable, which schedules party primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with submission of candidates’ names to INEC due by July 11 for presidential and National Assembly positions and August 8 for governorship and state assembly elections.
Ministers Eyeing Governorship Seats
Bayo Adelabu — Power Minister, Oyo State: The two-time governorship candidate and grandson of the legendary Adegoke Adelabu has been the most vocal about his ambitions. Having lost to Governor Seyi Makinde in both 2019 on the APC platform and 2023 on the Accord Party platform, Adelabu adopted President Tinubu’s “E mi lokan” (it’s my turn) slogan in October 2025, declaring that he had paid his dues and that 2027 was his time.
Bosun Tijani — Communications Minister, Ogun State: The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has not formally declared his candidacy but has been making quiet consultations with major stakeholders. He has facilitated ICT facilities in several institutions across Ogun State, a move widely seen as part of his political positioning.
Saidu Alkali — Transportation Minister, Gombe State: The former three-term senator is believed to be working from Abuja to clinch the APC governorship ticket for Gombe, reportedly enjoying the support of Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake. A close aide confirmed to reporters that Alkali has been preparing his handover notes since the presidential directive was issued.
Muhammad Ali Pate — Health Minister, Bauchi State: The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who contested the 2019 governorship election under the PRP and emerged third, has posters and billboards in strategic locations across Bauchi State. An associate confirmed he intends to run but will first seek clearance from the president as a mark of respect.
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar — Foreign Affairs Minister, Bauchi State: Also eyeing the Bauchi governorship seat, Tuggar lost the APC primaries in 2015 and was compensated with an ambassadorial posting. His posters and billboards have flooded strategic locations in Bauchi for over a year, and several pressure groups have been campaigning for his candidacy.
Abubakar Kyari — Agriculture Minister, Borno State: The former senator and ex-APC Deputy National Chairman North is frequently mentioned as a likely replacement for Governor Babagana Zulum. A long-time political associate of Vice President Shettima, Kyari is expected to be among the first to resign.
Bernard Doro — Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Plateau State: The minister is reportedly eyeing the Plateau North senatorial seat, though there are efforts to persuade him to remain as minister and allow a candidate from the Berom ethnic group to contest the senate seat.
Other Key Presidential Appointees
Beyond the ministers, several other prominent appointees are positioning for 2027:
Hakeem Muri-Okunola — Lagos State: The Principal Private Secretary to President Tinubu is widely viewed as a leading contender for the APC governorship ticket in Lagos to replace Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Support groups have surfaced on social media pushing the “HMO for governor” narrative.
Ahmed Galadima Aminu — Adamawa State: The PTDF Executive Secretary is among those eyeing the Adamawa governorship seat, with youth groups calling on him to contest and his billboards sighted across the state.
Issa Onilu — Kwara State: The Director General of the National Orientation Agency has confirmed his interest in the Kwara governorship race.
Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman — Kwara State: The NILDS Director General has also indicated interest in the Kwara governorship on the APC platform.
Dr Mathias Byuan — Benue State: The Executive Director at the Federal Housing Authority is a frontliner for the Benue governorship, pledging to prioritize welfare and rural development.
Pius Akutah — Benue State: The Nigerian Shippers Council MD/CEO has inaugurated a youth think tank for his 2027 governorship bid.
Hafizu Ibrahim Kawu — Kano: The PenCom Executive Commissioner is eyeing the Tarauni federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives, with his posters already circulating.
Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji — Kano: The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership is also eyeing the same Tarauni constituency seat.
Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri — Katsina: The AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria CEO is eyeing the Central Senatorial district seat.
Early Resignation
At least one federal appointee has already resigned ahead of the deadline. Dr. Usman Sani Tunga resigned this week as Rector of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, to pursue the Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. The institution’s Governing Board has named Dr. Isiyaku Abdullahi as his replacement.
There are also unconfirmed speculations surrounding Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, as a potential governorship aspirant in Kwara State. However, the legal luminary from Oyun has neither confirmed nor denied the claims.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has endorsed the resignation directive, describing it as principled rather than punitive. He urged strict compliance, saying the progress of governance must always come before personal ambition.
“This decision aligns with global best practices and ensures a level playing field for all aspirants while safeguarding the integrity of government institutions,” Otu stated.
Political analysts offered differing views on the directive. Dr. Sani Abubakar, a political scientist, described it as a reinforcement of accountability that sends a strong signal about fairness, noting that it reduces the misuse of state resources by appointees seeking election.
However, Hajiya Zainab Musa, also a political analyst, viewed the directive as largely symbolic, cautioning that selective enforcement could undermine its credibility. “If it is applied across board, it strengthens democracy. But if it targets certain individuals or factions, then it becomes a political tool rather than a governance reform,” she warned.
With the March 31 deadline just days away, the political landscape is expected to shift dramatically as ministers and appointees formally tender their resignations. The departures will trigger cabinet reshuffles and leadership changes across multiple federal agencies, while simultaneously intensifying the race for governorship tickets, senate seats, and House of Representatives positions across the country.
The coming weeks will reveal whether all affected appointees comply with the directive or whether some attempt to delay their exit, testing the administration’s willingness to enforce its own order.
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