Women Affairs Minister, Pauline Tallen Withdraws From Senatorial Race

The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has announced her withdrawal from the senatorial race ahead of the general elections in 2023.

She made the announcement in a statement she issued on Monday – the final day to decide whether to resign as minister to pursue her political ambition or to reconsider the move.

Tallen, who initially announced to contest for the Plateau South senatorial seat in the National Assembly, had picked the expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

She was one of the 10 ministers President Muhammadu Buhari had directed to resign if they must contest for any political office in the 2023 elections.

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It would be recalled that last Wednesday, President Buhari directed all appointed members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) running for elective offices to resign on or before May 16.

Two days later, the President held a valedictory session for the affected persons to appreciate them for their service. And since the President’s directive, some of the ministers have reconsidered their decision to vie for elective offices.

Apart from Tallen, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, have also pulled out of the Kebbi State governorship election and presidential race respectively.