By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive, disclosed in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dewan Goshit, is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
A circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, specifies that the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees. This includes Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of federal agencies, parastatals, commissions, government-owned companies, and other political appointees.
All affected officials are required to submit formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by the March 31 deadline.
President Tinubu stated that the measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency, and maintaining a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged all concerned officials to comply fully with the directive, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
