Appointees Hold Firm as Tinubu's Resignation Deadline Looms
With less than 24 hours remaining before the expiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to resign, a striking lack of compliance has emerged across federal and state governments. The president, through Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, issued the order last week, mandating all appointees eyeing the 2027 general elections to vacate their offices by March 31, 2026.
Widespread Non-Compliance Despite Clear Directive
Guardian investigations reveal that not a single appointee has submitted their resignation as the deadline approaches. This directive mirrors similar orders issued by state governments in Benue, Kano, Edo, and other states, all aligned with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended. This crucial section explicitly requires political appointees to resign before participating in party primaries, conventions, or congresses.
The Electoral Act provision states clearly: "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." This applies to ministers, commissioners, special advisers, heads of parastatals, and agency leaders at both federal and state levels.
High-Profile Appointees with Political Ambitions
Despite the legal requirement and presidential directive, numerous high-profile appointees continue holding their positions while openly pursuing electoral ambitions:
- Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who seeks the Oyo State governorship
- Health Minister Ali Pate and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, both eyeing the Bauchi State governorship
- Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, targeting Borno State governorship
- Nigerian Shippers Council Executive Secretary Pius Akuta and Federal Housing Authority's Dr. Mathias Byuan, both seeking Benue State governorship
- National Orientation Agency Director General Dr. Issa Onilu and NILDS Director General Professor Abubakar Suleiman, both pursuing Kwara State governorship
- Minister of State for Labour Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Abia State) and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani (Ogun State) with governorship ambitions
Political Calculations Behind the Defiance
A serving minister explained the hesitation to The Guardian: "In the APC, it's difficult to resign when you're uncertain about presidential support for your ambition. If you openly demonstrate popularity without his blessings, your political career could be finished. This situation clearly favors already elected officials who aren't required to resign."
The minister added, "Most of us may not resign, and anyone who does must have full presidential assurances. What I foresee is that outsiders will succeed because, whether we like it or not, the president believes he has already settled those he appointed. Personally, I won't resign—a bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush. It's not amusing, but that's the reality."
Legal Implications and Presidential Intentions
Presidency sources indicated that Tinubu's directive shouldn't have been necessary since the Electoral Act is self-explanatory, but the president reiterated it to eliminate any doubts. This is particularly relevant given that many cabinet members, including Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and his deputy, have political ambitions.
The directive aims to prevent political appointees from holding office while participating as delegates or contestants, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants and preventing misuse of public funds and office influence for personal gain.
The legal consequence of non-compliance under Section 84(13) is severe: any political party violating these provisions in its primaries will have its candidate excluded from the general election. As the clock ticks toward the deadline, the political landscape remains tense with appointees weighing their options against potential legal and political repercussions.
