Fresh exit hits Tinubu’s cabinet as another minister steps down

In line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive on appointees wishing to contest in the 2027 general elections, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, resigned to pursue a political career in Kebbi State.

Confirming his resignation to journalists on Monday, Sununu said he stepped down in line with the country’s rules for political office seekers.

The former federal lawmaker and a medical practitioner who represented Shanga, Yauri, and Ngaski Federal Constituency, is reportedly planning to contest for the Kebbi South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 elections.

Sununu previously served as Minister of State for Education before being redeployed to the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

Yusuf Tanko Sununu is the second minister to resign to pursue his political career, after Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar from Bauchi, who announced his resignation on Monday afternoon to pursue his governorship ambition.

Meanwhile, today is the deadline President Bola Tinubu issued cabinet members and appointees of the government seeking elective offices to resign; expectations mount over who will step down to pursue elective offices ahead of the 2027 elections.

The directive mandating political appointees to resign at the latest by that date has triggered intense speculation within government circles and across the political landscape.