Full List Of Political Appointees Who Have Stepped Down Ahead Of 2027

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered all political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act.

The directive, issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, applies to ministers, aides, and heads of government agencies, and is aimed at ensuring fairness and preventing the use of public office for political advantage.

The order immediately triggered a wave of resignations across the Federal Executive Council and government agencies, as several appointees declared ambitions for governorship, senatorial, and other elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political Appointees Who Have Resigned

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Minister of Foreign Affairs)

Yusuf Tuggar resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue the Bauchi State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His resignation was confirmed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

In his letter, Tuggar expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, highlighting achievements such as the evacuation of Nigerians abroad, strengthening ties with Global South partners, and diplomatic efforts that secured the release of detained Nigerians. His move marks one of the most prominent exits tied to the 2027 race.

Yusuf Sununu (Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs)

Yusuf Sununu stepped down from his ministerial role to contest for a senatorial seat in Kebbi State.

Before his appointment in 2023, Sununu served in the House of Representatives, where he chaired the Committee on Healthcare Services. His resignation aligns directly with the president’s directive and signals his return to legislative politics.

Nasiru Gawuna (Chairman, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Board)

Nasiru Gawuna tendered his resignation in compliance with the directive, stating:

“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.”

Sources indicate that beyond electoral ambitions, Gawuna is also making strategic political moves, including a planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aligning with emerging opposition coalitions.

Abdulrazak Namdas (Board Member, Niger Delta Development Commission)

Abdulrazak Namdas resigned his position as a governing board member of the NDDC, representing the North-East Zone, to pursue his ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his letter, he stated:
“I hereby respectfully tender my resignation as a governing board member of the NDDC representing the North-East Zone to pursue my ambition of contesting an elective position in 2027.”
He is widely believed to be eyeing the Adamawa State governorship.

Nasir Ja’oji (Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership)

Nasir Ja’oji also stepped down from his role, with his media aide confirming the development.

He expressed gratitude to the president for the opportunity to serve, citing Tinubu’s “concern for Nigerian youth” as a motivating factor during his time in office. His next political move is expected to unfold in the coming months.

Others Considering Resignation

Several other top government officials have indicated interest in contesting but had yet to formally resign as of the deadline, including:

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo governorship ambition)

Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani (Ogun governorship speculation)

Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali (Gombe governorship)

Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari (linked to Borno succession talks)

Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia political bid)

While some are still consulting stakeholders, reports suggest a few may reconsider due to shifting political dynamics.

These developments highlight growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with more resignations expected to reshape the cabinet and broader government structure.

The wave of exits underscores the impact of Tinubu’s directive, which has effectively forced ambitious political appointees to choose between holding public office and pursuing electoral ambitions setting the stage for intense political activity in the months leading to party primaries.