Six Tinubu Appointees Resign Ahead of 2027 Elections to Pursue Political Ambitions
In a significant political development, six key appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have resigned from their positions in the federal government. The resignations, which occurred ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline, clear the way for these officials to pursue various political ambitions in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar Steps Down for Bauchi Governorship Bid
Yusuf Tuggar, who served as Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, resigned from his position on Monday, March 30, 2026. The former minister is reportedly preparing to contest for the governorship of Bauchi State under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His resignation marks the beginning of what promises to be an intense political season ahead of the 2027 elections.
Multiple Ministers Resign for State-Level Political Positions
The wave of resignations includes several other prominent figures in Tinubu's administration:
- Yusuf Sununu, former Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has resigned to position himself for political opportunities leading up to the 2027 elections.
- Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali, the Minister of Transport, tendered his resignation on Tuesday following a meeting with President Tinubu. Alkali, who previously represented the Ngaski/Shanga/Yauri Federal Constituency of Kebbi State in the legislature, plans to seek the governorship of Gombe State under the APC.
- Ahmed Galadima Aminu resigned as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to pursue the Adamawa State governorship under the APC ticket.
Former Deputy Governors and Board Members Join Resignation Wave
The political reshuffling extends beyond current ministers to include former state officials and board members:
- Nasiru Gawuna, former Deputy Governor of Kano State, resigned as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). Gawuna has switched his political allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as he prepares for the 2027 polls.
- Abdulrazak Namdas, a board member representing the North-East on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has left his position. The Adamawa State native is reportedly preparing to contest for the governorship of his home state.
- Rauf Olaniyan, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, resigned as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, on March 23, 2026. Olaniyan explained that his decision enables him to contest for the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State.
Power Minister Denies Resignation Rumors
Amid these confirmed resignations, Adebayo Adelabu, the Federal Minister of Power, has pushed back against rumors that he has stepped down from the cabinet. These rumors appear connected to speculation about his political ambitions in Oyo State, where he previously contested during the 2023 elections. Adelabu recently faced criticism following widespread power cuts across Nigeria, which he attributed to gas supply shortages.
Tinubu Makes New Appointments Following Resignations
President Tinubu has begun filling the vacancies created by these resignations. Reports indicate that Senator Ibrahim Ida, former lawmaker for Katsina Central, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Additionally, the president has nominated seven individuals to fill commissioner positions at the National Population Commission (NPC), according to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the president's special adviser on information and strategy.
The mass resignations signal the beginning of intense political maneuvering as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, with many current and former officials positioning themselves for state-level positions across the country.
