Tinubu Appointees Who Have Resigned to Pursue Political Ambitions

As the 2027 election season begins to take shape, some ministers and political appointees of President Bola Tinubu have stepped down from their positions to pursue elective offices. 

Their resignations followed the directive that appointees with political ambitions must leave office on or before March 31, 2026. So far, the list includes ministers and other senior government appointees preparing for fresh political contests.

Saidu Alkali

Saidu Alkali resigned as Minister of Transportation to pursue his ambition of becoming governor of Gombe State. His decision was announced after he indicated interest in contesting in the next general election. Alkali is aiming to succeed Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure will end in 2027.

Before serving as minister, Alkali had a long political career in Gombe State. He worked as Special Assistant to the governor, later became Special Adviser, and also served as Commissioner for Information. He also represented Gombe North in the Senate. His resignation now places him fully in the race for the governorship of his state.

Yusuf Tuggar

Yusuf Tuggar also stepped down from his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs to pursue the Bauchi State governorship. His resignation made it clear that he wants to contest for the top seat in the state.

During his time in office, Tuggar was associated with key diplomatic efforts, including the evacuation of Nigerians facing difficulties abroad and the handling of diaspora-related matters.

Before joining the cabinet, he served in the House of Representatives and later as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany. His governorship ambition is not new, as he has sought the office before and is now preparing for another attempt.

Yusuf Sununu

Yusuf Sununu resigned as Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs as part of the wave of exits linked to the 2027 elections. Sununu is from Kebbi State and trained as a medical doctor, specialising in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Before entering frontline politics, he worked at the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi. He later moved into politics, won election into the House of Representatives, and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services.

Tinubu first appointed him as Minister of State for Education before later moving him to the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry. His resignation now signals a return to electoral politics.

Nasiru Gawuna

Nasiru Gawuna is among the other presidential appointees who have stepped down. He served as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Gawuna is already a known political figure in Kano, having previously contested for governor under the All Progressives Congress. Reports around his resignation suggest he may be preparing for another political move ahead of 2027. His exit has added to the growing signs that political realignments are already underway.

Abdulrazak Namdas

Abdulrazak Namdas also resigned from his position on the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, where he represented the North East. He said his resignation was to enable him pursue an elective office in 2027.

Namdas is an experienced politician who served for years in the House of Representatives. He was also one of those who showed interest in the Speakership of the House in 2019 before stepping down. His next political target has not been officially confirmed, but there is growing speculation that he may be preparing to run for governor in Adamawa State.

More Resignations May Follow

The resignations already recorded show that the race for 2027 is beginning earlier than many expected. With ministers and appointees now openly leaving office to chase political ambitions, more exits could still happen in the coming days as the deadline takes effect.

What is already clear is that the next election cycle is beginning to reshape parts of the current administration, as top officials position themselves for new political battles ahead.