Abuja: Seven Nigerian ministers quit office on Wednesday to pursue political ambitions in their respective states, the government of the West African country said in a statement.

The ministers, who formally announced their resignation at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held Wednesday morning, included Minister of Information Labaran Maku, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Samuel Ortom, Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and Minister of Health Onyebuchi Chukwu, Xinhua reported.

Others are -- Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike, Minister of Labour and Productivity Emeka Wogu and Minister of State for Niger Delta Dairus Ishaku.

A source in the president's office said all the former ministers had to quit office to pursue governorship ambitions in their states of origin.

Last month, President Goodluck Jonathan had given an Oct 20 dateline for all members of his cabinet having governorship ambitions to quit office and pursue their goals.

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Feb 28, 2015 for governorship elections in the country.