Nigerian Ministers Delay Resignation Ahead of Elections

As the March 31, 2026 deadline approaches, Nigerian ministers and political appointees have not yet resigned from their positions, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive. This directive, issued under Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, mandates that political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general elections must formally resign.

The list of affected officials includes ministers such as Bosun Tijani (Communications), Hakeem Muri-Okunola (Lagos State), Said Abubakar Kyari (Gombe State), and others. Reports indicate that at least 14 appointees are hesitating to resign due to concerns about political implications and the lack of clear communication from the President's office.

Sources suggest that these appointees are waiting for assurances regarding their positions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and are cautious about the potential fallout from resigning, recalling past instances where resignations led to political risks.