Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu has formally declared his intention to contest the Tarauni Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections, becoming the latest top presidential aide to resign and dive into the choppy waters of elective politics. Nasir Bala Ja’oji, who served as the President’s aide on Citizenship and Leadership, made the declaration on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Kano, addressing a large crowd of supporters who had been mounting pressure on him to run for the seat. Ja’oji, popularly known as Ja’oji, recently resigned his position at the Presidential Villa following a directive by President Tinubu that all political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 must step down on or before March 31, 2026.
Speaking at the declaration event, Ja’oji told the cheering crowd that his ambition was “not borne out of mere ambition, but from a deep sense of responsibility, commitment and consistent engagement with the people and the ideals of my great party, the All Progressives Congress.” The former presidential aide, who hails from Kano State, said he had remained steadfast in his loyalty to the APC and had contributed to the party’s growth and electoral victories at various levels. “Over the past few years, I have remained steadfast in my loyalty and contributions to the growth, unity and electoral successes of our party, APC at various levels,” he said.
Ja’oji’s resignation was confirmed in late March 2026, making him one of the earliest appointees to quit the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 polls. In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to youth development. He said his selection into key positions was driven by the President’s confidence in young Nigerians and his desire to empower them to contribute to national development. Ja’oji also pledged his continued loyalty and readiness to serve the country in any capacity if called upon by the President in future. He commended the administration’s “Renewed Hope Initiative,” describing it as a major driver of policies and programmes aimed at national growth.
The declaration event in Kano attracted thousands of supporters, including party leaders from various wards, youth groups, and women’s organisations. A procession that started from Gadar Lado flyover along Zaria road wound its way to the APC local government party secretariat at Farm Centre and ended at Ja’oji Quarters. Dozens of horse riders, hundreds of bike riders, and scores of women clad in party regalia accompanied the former presidential aide as he acknowledged cheers from well-wishers. The atmosphere was festive, with supporters chanting party slogans and waving APC flags.
Political observers in Kano have noted that Ja’oji’s entry into the race for the Tarauni Federal Constituency seat is likely to shake up the political landscape in the area. The current occupant of the seat, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, who was recently nominated as Deputy Governor of Kano State by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is not seeking re-election, leaving the seat wide open. Ja’oji is now expected to face other aspirants in the APC primaries scheduled for May 21, 2026. However, his close ties to the presidency and his extensive grassroots empowerment programmes could give him a significant advantage.
Ja’oji, during his declaration, stressed that his experience serving as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership had further shaped his understanding of governance, nation-building and inclusive leadership. “In that capacity, I came up with initiatives aimed at promoting civic responsibility, youth engagement, and leadership development across the country,” he said. He also highlighted his investment in youth development and women’s inclusion in politics and governance through large-scale empowerment programmes. According to his media aide, Abba Anwar, Ja’oji had previously empowered hundreds of constituents through grant schemes, scholarship programmes, and support for secondary school students sitting for their JAMB, NECO and WAEC examinations.
The former presidential aide’s declaration comes at a time when the APC has already released its timetable for the 2027 elections, with House of Representatives primaries slated for May 21, 2026. The party has fixed the governorship primaries for May 27, while the presidential primary is scheduled for May 18. Aspirants have until May 2 to purchase nomination forms, with the cost for House of Representatives set at N10 million. Ja’oji has indicated that he would soon officially pick up his nomination forms and begin consultations across the 10 wards that make up the Tarauni Federal Constituency.
Ja’oji’s move is also being watched closely by political analysts who see it as a test of the influence of former aides of President Tinubu in their home constituencies. Several other appointees have also resigned to pursue elective offices, including former Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who has declared her intention to return to the House of Representatives to represent the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi constituency in Abia State. Others include former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, who is eyeing the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat. The trend underscores the growing scramble for political offices as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
In a statement released through his media aide, Ja’oji said he would bring more dividends of democracy to the constituency if elected. “My experience serving as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership has further shaped my understanding of governance, nation-building and inclusive leadership. In that capacity, I came up with initiatives aimed at promoting civic responsibility, youth engagement, and leadership development across the country,” the statement quoted him as saying. He also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC, vowing to work for the party’s victory in the 2027 general elections.
Ja’oji’s declaration has received mixed reactions from political stakeholders in Kano. While some have welcomed his ambition, citing his grassroots connections and empowerment programmes, others have expressed concern about the increasing number of former presidential aides seeking elective offices, arguing that it could lead to a concentration of power and influence in the hands of a few. However, Ja’oji’s supporters have dismissed such concerns, noting that he has earned the right to contest through his years of service to the party and his community.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections continues, Ja’oji is expected to intensify his consultations and campaign across the Tarauni Federal Constituency. His ability to leverage his experience at the Presidency and his grassroots support base will likely determine whether he succeeds in clinching the APC ticket and ultimately winning the seat. For now, the former presidential aide has thrown his hat into the ring, and the race for the Tarauni seat has officially begun.
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