The directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring political appointees seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026 has placed two prominent maritime executives under increasing public scrutiny as speculation mounts over their possible governorship ambitions.
Attention has particularly turned to Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services at the Nigerian Ports Authority, both of whom are widely believed to be considering bids for the governorship of their respective states in the 2027 electoral cycle.
Although neither Akutah nor Umar has formally declared their intentions, credible political sources say consultations and quiet mobilisation by their supporters have intensified in recent months, fuelling speculation that the two political appointees may be preparing to join the growing list of aspirants expected to jostle for tickets ahead of the next general elections.
Akutah, a legal practitioner and administrator, has been repeatedly mentioned in political circles in relation to the governorship race in Benue State. His name has featured prominently in discussions among stakeholders in the state who believe his experience in public administration and policy could position him as a viable contender in the forthcoming political contest. He is a political ally of the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Similarly, Umar, a former Personal Assistant to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has been linked with the governorship race in Borno State.
The possible political ambitions of the duo have come into sharper focus following the presidential directive mandating political appointees interested in contesting elective positions to step down from their offices by the end of March.
In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, on Friday, the Federal Government directed that all affected officials must submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026.
The circular stated that the directive was issued in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the circular, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees seeking nomination for elective offices. These include Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, as well as Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal government agencies, commissions, parastatals and government-owned companies.
The directive has consequently heightened interest in whether Akutah and Umar will relinquish their current positions within the maritime sector before the deadline, a move that could be interpreted as a clear signal of their intention to enter the governorship races in their respective states.
Political observers note that while it is not unusual for public officials to delay formal declarations of political ambition, the looming deadline set by the Federal Government may compel those harbouring such plans to make decisive moves within the coming days.
President Tinubu emphasised in the circular that the measure is intended to ensure compliance with electoral laws, promote transparency in the political process and provide a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes across the country.
With barely two weeks to the March 31 deadline, the spotlight is now firmly on Akutah and Umar, as political watchers await to see whether the two maritime executives will remain in their current strategic positions or step aside in pursuit of what many believe could be emerging governorship ambitions in Benue and Borno states respectively.