Technocrat Media, Abuja
Three ministers have reportedly resigned their appointments to pursue the presidential seat.
Tolu Ogunlesi, special assistant to the president on digital and new media, disclosed this on his verified Twitter handle.
On Wednesday, President Buhari directed that FEC members with political ambitions must submit their resignation letters on or before Monday the 16th of May, 2022.
Also, on Thursday, the Secretary to the government of the federation also issued a circular which directed all ministers, heads of extra-ministerial departments, and agencies seeking elective offices in the 2023 general elections to resign on the date set by the president.
Nine ministers who have declared their interests to run for office are directly affected by the president’s directive:
- Rotimi Amaechi (Minister of Transportation) – already resigned
- Godswill Akpabio (Minister of Niger Delta Affairs) – already resigned
- Ogbonnaya Onu (Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation)- already resigned
Others who are yet to resign include:
- Abubakar Malami (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation)
- Chris Ngige (Minister of Labour and Employment)
- Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba (Minister of State for Education)
- Uche Ogar (Minister of State Mines and Steel)
- Pauline Tallen (Minister of Women Affairs)
- Timipre Sylva Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba (Minister of State for Education)
Jackson Udom, the media aide to Akpabio, confirmed the resignation of his principal in a statement issued on Wednesday, while Onu was said to have submitted his resignation letter to the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).
“Yes. He has just submitted his nomination form to the organising secretary of the party,” Udom told TheCable in a text message.
More resignations are expected to happen on or before Monday as directed by the president to battle for the presidential ticket of the ruling APC alongside Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos former governor Bola Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan, who has reportedly joined the party in his home state, Bayelsa.