Presidency clarifies exit of ministers, says Edun,  Dangiwa resigned — not sacked

Nigeria’s Presidency has dismissed speculation surrounding the departure of two senior cabinet members, insisting that former Finance Minister Wale Edun and Housing Minister Musa Dangiwa were not removed from office but voluntarily stepped down.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that both ministers tendered their resignations prior to the announcement of their replacements by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the Presidency, Edun, who served as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, cited health concerns as the primary reason for his decision to step aside.

Onanuga disclosed that the veteran economist formally submitted his resignation letter on Monday, coinciding with his 70th birthday, before making a valedictory visit to the President at the Presidential Villa.

“Former Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, duly tendered his resignation from office, citing health reasons, before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his replacement on Tuesday,” the statement read.

READ ALSO; Inside the shake-up: How power struggles, policy conflicts led to Edun’s exit

While confirming the exit of Housing and Urban Development Minister Musa Dangiwa, the Presidency did not provide specific details regarding the circumstances behind his resignation. However, Onanuga noted that Dangiwa expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

“Also, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, similarly resigned and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve,” the statement added.

The clarification comes amid widespread speculation that both ministers may have been dismissed as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle. The Presidency’s statement appears aimed at dispelling such claims and reinforcing the narrative that their departures were voluntary.

No further details were provided regarding the immediate replacements or the timeline for new appointments, as the administration continues to manage transitions within key economic and infrastructure portfolios.