Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, has resigned from her position, becoming the latest member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to step aside ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that her resignation was announced on Friday through a letter shared on her social media platforms, coming shortly after the March 31 deadline issued by the president for political appointees intending to contest elective positions to vacate their offices.
In her resignation message, Onyejeocha expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the administration and highlighted her commitment to national development.
“This period marks the end of a significant chapter in my journey of service as I formally resign as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment,” she wrote.
She also thanked the president, members of the federal executive council, and Nigerians for their support during her time in office, describing her tenure as both an honour and a privilege.
Onyejeocha’s exit is linked to Tinubu’s directive requiring cabinet members with political ambitions for 2027 to step down, a move widely seen as part of efforts to ensure a level playing field and prevent abuse of office.
Although she did not publicly disclose the position she intends to contest, reports indicate she may be preparing a return to elective politics, particularly her former seat in the house of representatives, where she served for over a decade representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency in Abia State.
Her resignation makes her the third minister to leave the cabinet under the directive. Earlier, Said Alkali, minister of transportation, stepped down to pursue the Gombe governorship race, while Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, is also reported to have exited to join the Bauchi governorship contest.
During her tenure, Onyejeocha was credited with contributing to policies aimed at strengthening workers’ rights, improving workplace safety, and expanding employment opportunities through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
