By NIyi Jacobs
A fresh round of political movements has reshaped President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet as three ministers and a senior presidential aide have resigned to pursue elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
The latest to step down is Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs to contest for the governorship of Bauchi State.
Businessng gathered that his resignation, tendered on March 30, was in compliance with the presidential directive requiring appointees with political ambitions to vacate their post
Also leaving the cabinet is Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, who stepped down to pursue a senatorial seat in Kebbi State in the 2027 elections.
In addition, Saidu Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, resigned his appointment to contest for the governorship of Gombe State, making him the third minister exiting the Federal Executive Council for electoral ambitions.
Beyond the ministers, a presidential aide has also resigned to join the 2027 political race, reflecting a broader trend of political appointees positioning themselves ahead of the polls. The aide’s departure highlights the growing movement of officials within the administration seeking elected office.
The spate of resignations follows a directive issued by President Tinubu in March, which required all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections to resign their positions by March 31.
The order, communicated through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, was designed to comply with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act and ensure fair competition in the electoral process.
Political analysts say the wave of exits underscores increased political ambition among members of the ruling administration and is reshaping the political landscape ahead of next year’s elections.
With key roles now vacant, attention is turning to how the Tinubu administration will fill these positions and maintain governance continuity while navigating the coming electoral cycle
