Seven ministers may quit Nigeria’s cabinet, the Federal Executive Council to pursue their political ambition next week. This was announced on Wednesday at the weekly meeting of the Council by President Goodluck Jonathan.

While announcing the development at the Council Chambers on Wednesday, President Jonathan said the decision of the ministers to formally disengage from the cabinet was in line with a directive by the Peoples Democratic Party that “all those interested in elective positions must disengage before October 20.

Federal Executive Council meeting: 7 ministers to quit

The seven ministers who are leaving the cabinet include the Information minister, Labaran Maku, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Samuel Ortom, Minister of state Education Nyesom Wike, Minister of State Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu, Minister for Health Onyebuchi Chukwu and the Minister of State for Niger Delta, Dairus Ishaku.

The Ministers are from Nasarawa, Benue, Rivers, Lagos, Abia, Ebonyi and Taraba States respectively. They have been linked with governorship contests in their various states on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Though a valedictory session was held for the departing FEC members, the President noted that the ministers have not formally written to the Secretary to the Federal Government on their disengagement, explaining that they are still members of council until the October 20 deadline.

“In politics you don’t conclude anything until it happens. The seven ministers may not be in council by next week Wednesday,” the President said while emphasising that any of the ministers who change his mind is free to attend the next cabinet meeting.

President Jonathan said he did not rule out the fact that some of the ministers may have a change of mind on their ambitions before the date.

Prof. Chinedu Nebo, the minister of Power wished the minister the best in their future endeavour on behalf of the Federal Executive Council.