President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was contained in an official circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and aligns 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.
According to the circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the order affects a wide range of political office holders. These include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, directors-general, and chief executive officers of federal government agencies, commissions, parastatals, and government-owned companies.
The document further clarified that the directive applies to all presidential appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest for any elective office in the upcoming elections.
“All affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026,” the circular stated.
The move is seen as part of efforts to ensure compliance with electoral laws and to promote fairness in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
