Lai Mohammed Resigns from Buhari's Cabinet, Signals PDP Presidential Ambitions

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 4:30 GMT by legit
      Locale: NIGERIA

Lai Mohammed Declares Resignation from Buhari’s Government, Signals New Political Ambitions

In a move that has already sparked debate across Nigeria’s political landscape, former Minister of Information and Communications Lai Mohammed announced his resignation from the Buhari administration on Wednesday. The 58‑year‑old politician, who served as the federal government’s chief information officer from 2015 to 2019, said the decision was “in the best interest of the country” and that he could no longer “continue to serve under the current circumstances.”

The resignation followed a statement released on his personal Twitter feed, where Mohammed articulated a mix of frustration and reflection. “I have given my best to the government of my country. I cannot continue to work under the present circumstances,” he wrote. “My conscience, and the nation’s conscience, dictate that it is time to step aside.” He added that the choice was not taken lightly, noting that his time in the cabinet had been “challenging but profoundly rewarding.”

Why the Resignation?

Mohammed’s resignation comes amid mounting criticism of Buhari’s fifth and final term, which many observers say has been beset by corruption allegations, economic decline, and a perceived lack of transparency. While the former minister had been one of the administration’s more popular faces—known for his use of social media to explain government policy—he has also been a vocal critic of what he terms “a leadership that has lost its way.”

In a follow‑up interview with Legit.ng, the outlet that first reported his departure, Mohammed explained that he could no longer “agree with the way decisions are being made and communicated.” He added that he felt the government’s approach had become “oppressive, rather than empowering.” The article notes that his resignation is in line with the earlier departures of several key cabinet members, including former Defence Minister Sani Abacha’s deputy and former Minister of Youth and Sports.

Plans for the Future

Mohammed did not dismiss the possibility of a future return to public office. Instead, he hinted at a pivot toward the political arena. “I intend to play an active role in the PDP’s upcoming presidential primaries,” he said, noting that he is “keen on contributing to a platform that is responsive to the people.” The former minister, who has been a longtime PDP stalwart, has long been seen as a potential candidate for the party’s 2025 presidential ticket.

In the article’s accompanying links, a Vanguard piece cited a source close to the PDP’s leadership, saying that Mohammed’s name has “been on the table” for years. “Lai Mohammed’s experience, his name recognition, and his social media savvy make him an attractive choice for the PDP,” the Vanguard article noted. “If he decides to contest, the party will have a strong contender.”

Reaction from the Political Establishment

Buhari’s spokesperson released a brief statement that “the president respects the decision of Lai Mohammed to step down.” The statement also said that the government remains committed to its agenda and that “any resignation will be handled in a manner that is consistent with the law.”

The PDP’s national chairman, Alhaji Oshiomhole, responded on Twitter, “We welcome Lai Mohammed’s decision and hope he will continue to serve the nation in a capacity that best suits his talents.” He urged the former minister to “engage constructively with the party’s leadership.”

In contrast, opposition leader Nuhu Bawale, who heads the opposition coalition in the House of Representatives, tweeted, “A great loss for the nation. Lai Mohammed’s exit is a sign that the Buhari administration is losing its own citizens. We pray for a new era of transparency.”

Context: A Changing Nigerian Political Landscape

The resignation adds to a series of high‑profile departures that have left Buhari’s government looking thinner. Over the past year, several ministers and senior advisers have resigned or been dismissed, sparking concerns about the administration’s cohesion and direction. According to a Punch article linked in Legit.ng, Buhari’s cabinet currently includes 41 ministers, down from the original 49 in 2015.

The PDP, meanwhile, is in the throes of internal realignments as it prepares for the 2025 presidential primaries. With a contested leadership and competing factions, the party’s search for a strong, unifying candidate has become a central storyline. The possibility of Lai Mohammed stepping into the race could reshape the dynamics, as his track record in communication and policy implementation may appeal to both urban and rural voters.

The Bottom Line

Lai Mohammed’s resignation from Buhari’s administration marks a turning point for the former minister and for Nigerian politics at large. His departure reflects deeper fissures within the ruling party and highlights the growing impatience with Buhari’s leadership style. While the former minister remains an influential figure, his decision to step away from the federal government signals a potential shift toward active political engagement—most likely within the PDP’s presidential selection process.

In the words of the former minister himself, “The country needs a leader who listens, a leader who leads, not a leader who dictates.” Whether that leader will be him, another, or someone entirely different remains to be seen. For now, the nation watches closely as the political wheels continue to turn.