President Muhammadu Buhari has directed all members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) contesting elective positions in 2023 to resign.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, made this known while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the FEC meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja was presided over by President Buhari.

Speaking to newsmen, Mohammed disclosed that Buhari gave the ministers up till May 16, 2022, to resign from their appointed position.

The minister, however, said only Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is an elected official, was exempted.

He said: “The mandate I have from the President is to announce that all members of the Federal Executive Council contesting for elective office must resign their ministerial cabinet appointments on or before Monday, May 16, 2022.”

On the fate of other political appointees like the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who had been linked with the contest for the presidency in 2023, the minister said the directive might be extended to non-cabinet members.

“As of this moment, the mandate I have is for members of the Federal Executive Council.

“Subsequently, it might affect other political appointees but that will be made known.

“If there is going to be any amendment or any inclusion, you will be informed in due course,” Mohammed stated.

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Some of the FEC members, who have obtained the expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to vie for the presidential ticket of the ruling party include Ministers Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Godswill Akpabio (Niger Delta Affairs), Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), and Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology).

Others are Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

However, the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogar, has obtained APC governorship nomination forms to contest the Abia State gubernatorial election; while the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has declared his intention to vie for the APC governorship ticket in Kebbi State.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Paulline Tallen, had also declared her ambition to contest for the senatorial seat in Plateau State.

The Star