Tension is mounting within the Federal Executive Council (FEC) after Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed political appointees seeking elective offices to resign before March 31 in compliance with the Electoral Act. The move has unsettled ministers and aides who had hoped to secure the president’s endorsement before stepping down to pursue governorship and legislative ambitions ahead of party primaries scheduled for late April. ⚖️
Presidential sources indicated that Tinubu has declined private meetings with appointees seeking his political backing, insisting they first demonstrate grassroots support before contesting. The directive, communicated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has effectively closed the door on attempts by several senior officials to secure early endorsements.
Under Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, political appointees must resign before participating in party primaries either as aspirants or delegates, making the March 31 deadline critical. With the Independent National Electoral Commission scheduling primaries for the end of April, failure to resign before April 1 could automatically disqualify interested appointees from participating.
Several ministers are reportedly considering entering governorship contests across different states. Among them are Adebayo Adelabu in Oyo, Bosun Tijani in Ogun, Saidu Alkali in Gombe, and Muhammad Ali Pate alongside Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Bauchi. Others expected to join the race include Abubakar Kyari in Borno and Bernard Doro for Plateau North senatorial district.
As the deadline approaches, uncertainty continues to dominate political circles in Abuja, with many appointees weighing the risks of resigning without presidential endorsement. Observers say the development has created a cautious atmosphere within government ranks, as aspirants consider testing their popularity at the grassroots without relying on support from the presidency.
