Ministers yet to resign ahead of deadline
The Nigerian government's directive for political appointees to resign their positions in preparation for the 2027 general elections has not yielded the expected results. Despite the March 31, 2026, deadline, no minister has tendered resignation, according to checks by correspondents. This development is in contrast to the resignation of Nasir Bala Aminu, a Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the weekend. The presidential aide resigned ahead of the elections, reportedly to pursue his political ambitions.
The directive, issued by President Tinubu, affects various political appointees, including ministers, special advisers, and directors-general. The affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by the end of March. However, it appears that some appointees are hesitant to quit, citing the need for assurance on their future political prospects.
Checks by correspondents indicate that at least 14 appointees, including ministers and aides, are eyeing governorship seats in their respective states. These individuals are reportedly waiting for the right signals before making a decision.
The delay in resignation by ministers is a clear indication of the uncertainty surrounding their political futures. The hesitation to quit the cabinet suggests that some appointees are waiting for a clear endorsement from President Tinubu before making a move. This development raises concerns about the effectiveness of the government's directive and the potential risks involved for those who choose to resign. The fact that some appointees are waiting for the APC National Convention to gauge the mood of the President is a clear indication of the lack of trust in the system. This situation has significant implications for the country's politics, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
