President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees in his administration seeking to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before 31 March 2026.
The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the polls.
The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana, stated that the requirement applies to all categories of presidential appointees intending to participate in party primaries or contest for any elective office.
Those affected include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, as well as directors-general and chief executives of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions and government-owned companies.
According to the circular, all affected officials are to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the SGF no later than the stipulated deadline.
It read in part that the directive is “pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections,” adding that the resignation requirement covers all political appointees under the president.
Tinubu said the measure was necessary to ensure compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process and promote a level playing field for all aspirants.
He urged all concerned officials to take note and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes.
The directive comes as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections following the release of the electoral timetable by INEC.
Under Nigerian law, political appointees are required to step down before participating in party primaries, a provision aimed at preventing abuse of office and ensuring fairness in the electoral process.
