24 Hours to deadline: Ministers yet to resign as Tinubu appointees weigh political risks

With less than 24 hours to the resignation deadline set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for political appointees seeking elective offices, no serving minister has stepped down, raising concerns over uncertainty and internal calculations within government ranks.

The directive, which mandates all affected appointees to resign on or before March 31, 2026, is in line with provisions of the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite the looming deadline, checks indicate that several ministers and top aides are hesitant to resign, largely due to the absence of clear assurances regarding their chances of securing party tickets under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Nasir Bala Aminu, popularly known as Ja’oji, has resigned his position, becoming one of the first high-profile appointees to comply with the directive.

Investigations reveal that no fewer than 14 presidential appointees, including ministers, are eyeing governorship seats and other elective positions across various states. Among them are Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali; Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and Coordinating Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate.

Others include Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, as well as several agency heads and senior aides considering political bids in their respective states.

Sources close to the appointees attribute the delay to uncertainty over presidential backing and party endorsement. Many are reportedly awaiting “the right signals” from the presidency and APC leadership before making the high-risk decision to resign.

Some insiders also fear that early resignation without clear support could jeopardize both their current positions and political ambitions, especially in a system where party tickets are often determined by consensus and influence.

Further complicating matters are state-level dynamics, with some aspirants unsure of support from incumbent governors, thereby increasing reliance on presidential endorsement to secure party tickets.

In states like Bauchi, the situation is particularly delicate, with two serving ministers — Tuggar and Pate — reportedly interested in the governorship race, both cautious about stepping down without firm assurances.

Similarly, in Oyo and Ogun states, aspirants such as Adelabu and Tijani are said to be proceeding carefully amid strong internal party competition and the need for strategic backing.

Analysts note that unlike previous administrations, where clearer signals were given to aspirants, the current situation is marked by uncertainty, forcing many to adopt a wait-and-see approach even as the deadline draws closer.

With the clock ticking, the coming hours are expected to be decisive, as affected appointees must choose between retaining their current offices or taking the political gamble required to pursue elective positions in the 2027 elections.

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