Ministers step down to pursue 2027 election ambitions
With the resignation deadline for government appointees seeking elective offices, several top officials have left their posts to contest in the 2027 elections. Yusuf Tuggar and Yusuf Sununu are among the high-profile ministers who have resigned from Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. The resignations come in response to a presidential directive and new electoral rules. More resignations and political realignments are expected as the election season approaches.
What we know
- Yusuf Tuggar resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs to run for Bauchi State governor, confirmed by his spokesperson and an official statement on Monday.
- Yusuf Sununu also resigned on Monday to contest the Kebbi State senatorial seat.
- The President ordered all appointees seeking elective offices to resign their positions by March 31 at the latest, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
- Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank’s Governing Board, resigned in a letter dated March 27, 2026, and is expected to join the African Democratic Congress on Tuesday.
- Other notable resignations include Abdulrazak Namdas (NDDC board member) on March 30 and Nasir Ja’oji (Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership) over the weekend.
