Tension is mounting within Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) following a directive by President Bola Tinubu mandating all political appointees seeking elective offices to resign before March 31, 2026.
The directive, issued in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, has triggered uncertainty among ministers and top aides planning to contest in the 2027 general elections.
Sources indicate that President Tinubu has declined to endorse or grant private meetings to aspirants seeking his backing ahead of party primaries, insisting they test their popularity at the grassroots level.
According to insiders, the President’s stance is aimed at maintaining neutrality and avoiding conflicts with state governors and party stakeholders ahead of the primaries.
The resignation deadline, communicated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, which prohibits political appointees from contesting or participating in primaries without first stepping down from office.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduling party primaries for late April, any appointee still in office after April 1 risks automatic disqualification.
Key Developments:
Several high-profile ministers are reportedly considering resignation to pursue political ambitions:
- Adebayo Adelabu is tipped for the governorship race in Oyo State.
- Bosun Tijani is linked to the Ogun State governorship contest.
- Saidu Alkali is positioning for Gombe State governorship.
- Muhammad Ali Pate and Yusuf Maitama Tuggar are key contenders in Bauchi State.
- Abubakar Kyari is expected to contest in Borno State.
Political Implications:
The President’s refusal to act as a “kingmaker” has left many aspirants in a dilemma, as they must now resign without guarantees of political backing.
Analysts say the move reinforces internal party democracy but also raises the stakes for aspirants who must rely solely on grassroots support.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, uncertainty continues to grow within government circles, with several ministers weighing the risks of resigning without securing political endorsements.
