March 31, (THEWILL) — The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, has resigned his ministerial appointment to pursue a senatorial ambition in Kebbi State, in compliance with federal directives requiring political appointees seeking elective offices to step down ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Confirming his resignation, Sununu said he stepped down in line with the country’s rules governing political office holders seeking elective positions.
THEWILL reports that President Bola Tinubu had, on March 17, directed all political appointees aspiring to elective positions in the 2027 polls to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was contained in a presidential statement issued by Dewan Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). It stated that the order is anchored on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires public office holders to vacate their positions ahead of party primaries.
It further noted that the directive aligns with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of party primaries and other preparatory activities leading to the 2027 general elections.
Sununu, who was appointed Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in November 2024, is stepping down after serving in two federal cabinet positions under the current administration, having earlier served as Minister of State for Education before his redeployment to the humanitarian ministry.
Before joining the Federal Executive Council, Sununu represented the Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he chaired the Committee on Healthcare Services, marking a long-standing legislative and executive public service career.
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