President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was anchored on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It was conveyed in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni.
Who Is Affected
The circular makes clear that the resignation requirement applies to a wide range of presidential appointees, including:
- Honourable Ministers and Ministers of State
- Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President
- Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies
- All other political appointees serving under the President
All affected officials must submit their resignation letters through the Office of the SGF no later than the stipulated deadline.
Why It Matters
President Tinubu stressed that the measure is designed to:
- Ensure full compliance with electoral laws
- Uphold transparency and fairness in the political process
- Guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections
By enforcing this directive, the administration seeks to prevent conflicts of interest, reduce the misuse of state resources for political advantage, and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Broader Context
This move comes as Nigeria prepares for what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 general election.
Analysts note that requiring appointees to step down well ahead of party primaries could reshape the political landscape, as several high-profile ministers and advisers are rumored to be considering elective bids.
The directive also aligns with global democratic practices, where incumbents in government positions are often required to resign before contesting elections to avoid undue influence.
Official Statement
The press release was signed by Dewan Nengak Goshit, Head of Information & Public Relations, for the SGF.
It underscored the administration’s commitment to credible electoral processes and reinforcing Tinubu’s pledge to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
This directive is likely to trigger a wave of resignations in the coming weeks.
It will expectedly set the stage for Nigeria’s political parties to begin their internal contests ahead of the 2027 polls.
