Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has resigned as Minister of State for Labour and Employment, announcing the decision in a statement posted on her X account on Friday. She expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing her tenure as a significant chapter in her public service journey. "It is with a heart full of gratitude that I announce my resignation as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment," she said, adding that the role had been "the greatest privilege of my life." Onyejeocha thanked ministry staff, her constituents in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, and the Nigerian public for their support.
She cited the President's directive requiring political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026, as the reason for her exit. The directive, issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, aligns with provisions in the Electoral Act 2026. Onyejeocha joins other ministers who have stepped down for gubernatorial bids, including Yusuf Tuggar, who resigned as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to contest in Bauchi, and Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali, who left the Transportation Ministry to run in Gombe. Yusuf Sununu has also resigned as Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs.
Onyejeocha's resignation is not a surprise but a calculated political move enabled by Tinubu's early deadline for aspiring candidates. By stepping down now, she gains a head start in positioning herself for a possible run, likely in Abia State. If she contests, her profile as a former minister may boost her visibility, but voters will weigh her actual impact in office, not just her title. This exodus of ministers signals the quiet beginning of the 2027 campaign season, long before any official campaign begins.
