There is palpable tension within the Federal Executive Council following a directive by President Bola Tinubu mandating political appointees nursing elective ambitions to resign on or before March 31, in compliance with the Electoral Act.
Multiple sources within the Presidency said that the development has unsettled several ministers and top aides, many of whom are reportedly eyeing governorship and legislative positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Findings revealed that the President has also declined requests for private meetings from some of the appointees seeking his endorsement before stepping down from their current roles.
The move, insiders said, is part of Tinubu’s strategy to avoid being drawn into internal party contests ahead of state primaries, while also compelling aspirants to establish their political strength independently.
It was gathered that several affected officials had intensified efforts to secure what is popularly referred to as “presidential anointing” to boost their chances at the primaries and to guard against possible resistance from state governors.
However, the President is said to have maintained a firm stance, insisting that any appointee interested in contesting must first resign and test their popularity at the grassroots level without relying on federal backing.
A senior member of the All Progressives Congress, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that Tinubu recently conveyed his position to a group of party stakeholders.
According to the source, the President emphasised that he would not act as a “kingmaker” for appointees, stressing that his role remains that of a leader for all Nigerians.
“The President made it clear that he is not in the business of imposing candidates,” the source said. “He told them plainly: if you believe you have the capacity to lead your state, go home, resign, and prove it to the delegates.”
The development is expected to reshape political alignments within the ruling party, as aspirants recalibrate their strategies ahead of the primaries.
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