The build-up to the 2027 general elections has triggered a wave of high-profile resignations across Nigeria, with key political appointees stepping down to pursue elective offices.
Leading the list is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who confirmed his resignation in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive requiring appointees seeking political office to step aside.
Tuggar said his exit marks the end of a “significant chapter of service,” as he sets his sights on the Bauchi State governorship race.
Similarly, former Kano governorship candidate and Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Nasiru Gawuna, resigned his position, signaling a possible return to frontline politics after his narrow loss in the 2023 election.
In a statement, Gawuna said his resignation was in compliance with the Electoral Act, adding that he remains grateful for the opportunity to serve.
The resignation wave has also spread to the state level, where several commissioners, aides, and agency heads have stepped down in compliance with directives from their respective governors.
In a major move, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, approved the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council, directing commissioners to hand over to permanent secretaries.
According to the Secretary to the State Government, the decision was to allow cabinet members interested in elective positions to pursue their ambitions freely.
In Nasarawa State, the Accountant-General, Musa Ahmed Muhammed, resigned and declared his intention to contest the governorship, pledging to build on existing achievements in the state.
In Ondo State, several appointees—including commissioners and special advisers—are reported to have resigned to contest various political offices, although official confirmation from the state government remains unclear.
Edo State also witnessed resignations, with six aides of Governor Monday Okpebholo stepping down to run for different legislative positions, including federal constituency seats.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Mandate Secretary Bitrus Garki resigned, fueling speculation that he may be preparing to contest a House of Representatives seat.
In Kaduna State, the Commissioner for Public Works, Ibrahim Hamza, and other officials have also reportedly resigned, adding to the growing list of political exits.
Meanwhile, Jigawa State recorded at least 14 resignations among special advisers and assistants, even without a formal directive from the state government, as political ambitions gather momentum.
Across the country, sources indicate that more resignations are expected as officials race to meet the deadline set by the President.
The unfolding developments highlight the early political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as ambitions reshape Nigeria’s political landscape at both federal and state levels.
