The wave of resignations from the Federal Executive Council ahead of the 2027 elections gathered momentum on Monday with the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, stepping down from his position to pursue a senatorial bid in Kebbi State.
Sununu’s exit marks one of the earliest responses to the Federal Government’s directive requiring all political appointees seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to vacate their positions by March 31.
His resignation came alongside that of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who also quit the cabinet to contest the Bauchi State governorship race, signaling the start of what is expected to be a broader cabinet reshuffle in the coming days.
Tuggar, a native of Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, formally tendered his resignation on Monday. His decision was confirmed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Further details were provided by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, who stated, “The minister is interested and aspires to run for the governorship seat of Bauchi State.”
In his resignation letter, Tuggar expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, noting his role in advancing the administration’s 4D foreign policy agenda.
According to the ministry, his tenure recorded key milestones, including humanitarian evacuations of Nigerians stranded abroad, the creation of a Nigerians-in-Diaspora database, strengthened ties with Global South partners, the establishment of the Regional Partnership for Democracy, and diplomatic efforts that secured the release of detained Nigerians overseas.
Sununu, who previously represented the Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chaired the Committee on Healthcare Services, is seeking to return to the National Assembly through the Kebbi State senatorial race.
The resignations follow a government circular mandating all appointees with political ambitions to step down within the stipulated timeline.
The directive, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Kana, stated that it was “pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 requires ministers, advisers, and heads of government agencies to resign before participating in party primaries or securing nominations for elective positions.
The provision aims to curb the use of public office and state resources to gain undue advantage during elections.
The directive affects a wide range of political office holders, including ministers, ministers of state, presidential aides, and chief executives of federal agencies and parastatals.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled party primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Political parties are expected to submit names of candidates by July 11 for presidential and National Assembly elections, and by August 8 for governorship and state assembly contests.
With the deadline now in effect, attention has shifted to other members of the cabinet, as expectations rise over who else will resign to join the 2027 electoral race.
