President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive, according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), is in line with the provisions of 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 elections.
The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated that the directive affects all categories of presidential political appointees.
“All political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office are required to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026,” the statement read.
Those affected include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, directors-general, and chief executive officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies, as well as other political appointees of the president.
According to the statement, all affected officials are to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation within the stipulated deadline.
President Tinubu Emphasized that the directive is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
“This measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants,” the statement quoted the president as saying.
He further urged strict adherence to the directive by all concerned officials.
“All affected appointees are advised to take note and ensure strict compliance,” the statement added, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to credible elections and strong democratic institutions.
The development comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.