- Affected officials get March 31 deadline
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all his political appointees interested in contesting elective offices to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office.
The circular, issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana on behalf of the SGF, said the list of those affected include Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants the President, Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President.
“Accordingly, 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 said.
Meanwhile, a statement by Dewan Nengak Goshit, Head, Information and Public Relations for the SGF said President Tinubu stressed that the 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 ahead of the elections.
The President urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
