In a decisive move aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s legal framework, 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, conveyed through a formal circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, particularly Section 88(1), as well as the official 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, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, outlines that the resignation requirement affects a broad spectrum of presidential political appointees.
Those impacted include Ministers and Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, as well as Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned enterprises. The directive also extends to all other categories of political appointees serving under the President.
According to the statement, all affected officials are mandated to submit their formal resignation letters through the OSGF on or before the stipulated deadline, in preparation for their participation in party primaries or nomination processes.
President Tinubu stressed that the directive is critical to promoting transparency, accountability and fairness within the electoral system. He noted that allowing appointees to remain in office while pursuing elective positions could create undue advantages and undermine the credibility of the democratic process.
The President further reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions, urging all concerned officials to comply strictly with the directive in the interest of a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
The development signals the early build-up to the 2027 general elections, as political actors begin to position themselves within the evolving electoral landscape.