Two cabinet members have resigned from the administration of Bola Tinubu to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections, in compliance with a federal directive requiring political appointees to step down before participating in party primaries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, confirmed their resignations on Monday, ahead of the official deadline.
Tuggar is seeking the governorship of Bauchi State, according to his media aide, while Sununu is contesting for a senatorial seat in Kebbi State.
The directive, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 mandating appointees to resign before contesting party primaries.
Under the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, primaries are scheduled between April 23 and May 30, with candidate submissions due later in the year.
Beyond the ministers, other political appointees have also stepped down, including former Kano deputy governor Nasiru Gawuna and Abdulrazak Namdas of the Niger Delta Development Commission, both citing compliance with the directive.
More resignations are expected as the deadline closes, with several cabinet members reportedly considering bids for governorship and legislative positions.
Officials say the wave of exits could lead to a reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council in the coming weeks.
