Uncertainty in Buhari’s cabinet over absorbing returning ministers

There are reports that President Muhammadu Buhari is undecided about the reappointment of several of his cabinet members who just withdrew from the presidential campaign to complete their terms as ministers.

Buhari has asked all ministers interested in contesting the elections to quit on or before May 16th, 2022, as a result of the Electoral Act modification.

While roughly ten of them had shown interest in running for president and governorships, others decided to return to the Federal Executive Council to finish their term.

Labor and Employment Ministers, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Chris Ngige, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Timipreye Silva, Abubakar Malami, including Minister of Women Affairs Pallen Tallen fell into the categories of ministers that rescinded their political ambitions.

Some ministers were present at the FEC meeting on Wednesday, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to explanations provided by Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, the President does not appear to have entirely received them back.

“On the other topic of ministers returning or not returning,” Mohammed says, “I think you need give me more time so that I can tell you exactly what the situation is.” I’m now doing some cross-checking. I need to confirm the matter with Mr. President once again. I believe you have seen the final conclusion on who goes and who returns? Who will not accompany the President?”

Remember that two ministers who changed their minds about running for governor and senator in the 2023 elections attended the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

While Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami was present in person at the council chambers, Women Affairs Minister Pauline Tallen, who was running for a senate seat in Plateau State, participated electronically.

Lai Mohammed also told State House Correspondents that the President was about to appoint a new Minister to replace one who had resigned due to political ambition.