Findings indicate that despite the directive, cabinet members and top aides are treading cautiously, with many awaiting political assurances before taking any decisive action.
However, in what appears to be the first concrete response, Nasir Bala Aminu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, popularly known as Ja’oji, has resigned his position to pursue his political ambition.
President Tinubu had directed all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive, conveyed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is anchored on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and aligns with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The circular affects ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, heads of government agencies, and chief executives of parastatals.
According to the presidency, failure to comply may automatically disqualify affected appointees from participating in party primaries while retaining their current positions.
Investigations reveal that no fewer than 14 top appointees, including several ministers, are preparing to contest governorship elections in their respective states. Among them are Bosun Tijani (Ogun), Hakeem Muri-Okunola (Lagos), Saidu Alkali (Gombe), Abubakar Kyari (Borno), Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Bauchi), Muhammad Ali Pate (Bauchi), and Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo).
Despite their ambitions, sources say most appointees are reluctant to resign due to uncertainties surrounding their political futures, particularly the absence of clear assurances from the presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress regarding ticket allocation.
“There is fear of taking a leap without assurance,” a source said. “Resigning without a guarantee could mean losing both the office and the ticket.”
Another source noted concerns that early resignation might be misinterpreted as disloyalty.
“The directive didn’t come with encouragement. Any hasty move could be seen as politically insensitive,” the source added.
Further checks show that some ministers are delaying decisions to assess developments at the APC National Convention and consult with key stakeholders before making a move.
The situation is compounded by uncertainties at the state level, where some aspirants lack backing from incumbent governors and are relying on the presidency for influence.
Analysts say past experiences are shaping current caution. During the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, several ministers resigned to contest elections, but only a few secured party tickets. In contrast, the era of Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly offered clearer pathways for appointees transitioning into elective positions.
A Public affairs analyst, Abba Dukawa , described the situation as high-risk. “You are not just resigning from a job; you are stepping into a very uncertain political battlefield,” he said.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, pressure is mounting on affected appointees to decide. While some may comply at the last minute, others may retain their positions and defer their political ambitions.
