With less than 24 hours to the Federal Government’s deadline for political appointees seeking elective offices to resign, no serving minister has stepped down, raising questions over compliance with the directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, a presidential aide, Nasir Bala Aminu, popularly known as Ja’oji, has resigned his position as Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership, becoming one of the first top appointees to quit ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources indicate that more resignations may follow in the coming hours.

The President had directed all political appointees intending to contest elections to relinquish their positions on or before March 31, 2026. The directive, conveyed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Affected officials include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, heads of federal agencies, and other political appointees. Failure to comply may force aspirants to abandon their political ambitions or risk disqualification.

Investigations reveal that at least 14 appointees, including ministers and senior aides, are eyeing governorship positions across their respective states. Among them are Bosun Tijani (Communications), Senator Saidu Alkali (Transport), Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture), Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate (Health), and Adebayo Adelabu (Power).

Despite their ambitions, many of the affected officials have yet to resign, largely due to uncertainty surrounding their political prospects. Sources close to some ministers disclosed that they are waiting for clear signals from both the presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding their chances of securing party tickets.

According to insiders, concerns over losing both their current positions and failing to clinch party nominations have made many aspirants cautious. Some fear that resigning without explicit endorsement from the President could be politically risky and even interpreted as disloyalty.

“There is anxiety about whether the party will support them after resignation. Nobody wants to take that leap without assurances,” a source familiar with the situation said.

Further findings suggest that some appointees are using the period leading up to the APC National Convention to gauge the mood within the presidency and seek backing from influential party figures, especially as consensus arrangements may determine candidates in several states.

Historical precedents have also contributed to the hesitation. During past administrations, some appointees who resigned to pursue elective offices failed to secure party tickets, while only a few succeeded under favourable political conditions.

In states like Bauchi, the situation is further complicated by multiple aspirants within the cabinet. Both Prof. Pate and Tuggar are reportedly interested in the governorship race, heightening the need for presidential backing before making any move.

Similarly, in Oyo State, Adelabu is said to be weighing his options carefully amid stiff intra-party competition, while Bosun Tijani in Ogun State is believed to be awaiting stronger political backing before resigning.

Observers note that without clear endorsement from the presidency, securing party tickets may prove difficult for many aspirants, particularly in states where local political dynamics and governors’ influence play decisive roles.

Meanwhile, aides to some ministers have declined to confirm their principals’ intentions, urging the public to await official announcements before the deadline expires.

As the clock ticks down, political watchers say the coming hours will be decisive in determining whether key members of the cabinet will comply with the directive or opt to retain their current positions at the expense of their electoral ambitions.