Appointees Hold Firm as Tinubu's Resignation Deadline Nears
With less than 24 hours remaining before the expiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive for public office holders to resign if they intend to contest the 2027 general elections, a significant lack of compliance has emerged. The order, issued through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, mandated all appointees with political ambitions to vacate their positions by March 31, 2026. However, Guardian investigations reveal that none of the affected individuals have taken this step, despite similar directives being issued by state governments in Benue, Kano, Edo, and other regions.
Electoral Act Provisions and Current Violations
Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, explicitly requires political appointees to resign before participating in party primaries, conventions, or congresses. This section states: "No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election." The provision applies to ministers, commissioners, special advisers, and heads of parastatals and agencies at both federal and state levels.
Despite this, the recent conventions and national conventions of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike saw high visibility and participation from political appointees who still hold their appointments. This blatant disregard raises serious questions about adherence to legal frameworks.
Key Appointees and Their Ambitions
Sources within the presidency indicate that the President's directive was intended to prevent appointees from using their positions and public funds for personal gain, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants. Notable appointees with gubernatorial ambitions who have yet to resign include:
- Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, aiming for Oyo State governorship.
- Minister of Health, Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, both eyeing Bauchi State governorship.
- Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, targeting Borno State governorship.
- Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akuta, and Executive Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, Dr. Mathias Byuan, both seeking Benue State governorship.
- Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Issa Onilu, and Professor Abubakar Suleiman of the Nigeria Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies, both aspiring for Kwara State governorship.
- Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, with ambitions in Abia and Ogun States, respectively.
Political Calculations and Reluctance to Resign
A serving minister, speaking anonymously to The Guardian, highlighted the political tightrope appointees face: "In the APC, it is difficult to resign without assurance of the President's backing. If you openly show popularity or ambition without his blessings, your political career could be jeopardized. This situation favors elected officials who are not required to resign, while appointees risk losing their current positions without guarantees."
The minister added, "Most of us may not resign, and those who do must have full assurances from the President. However, I believe outsiders might benefit, as the President may feel he has already rewarded his appointees. For me, I will not resign—a bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush. It's a harsh reality, but that's the political landscape we navigate."
Legal Implications of Non-Compliance
Section 84(13) of the Electoral Act stipulates that any political party violating these provisions in its primaries shall not have its candidate included in the general election. This raises the stakes for both the appointees and their parties, as continued defiance could lead to disqualification of candidates and legal challenges. The lack of resignation with less than 24 hours to the deadline underscores a critical test of governance and rule of law in Nigeria's political system.
As the clock ticks down, the situation remains tense, with appointees balancing ambition against security, and the administration facing pressure to enforce its own directives in alignment with national laws.
