Resign Before March 31 If You Want to Contest — Tinubu Tells Appointees

President Bola Tinubu has ordered all political appointees
in his administration planning to run for elective positions in the 2027
general elections to vacate their offices on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive covers a wide range of officials, including
ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants,
special assistants, personal aides, as well as directors-general and chief
executives of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned
enterprises.

The order was conveyed through a circular from the Office of
the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in line with Section 88(1)
of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent
National Electoral Commission ahead of party primaries for the 2027 polls.

The circular, endorsed by Secretary to the Government of the
Federation George Akume and released by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana,
stated that the directive applies to all presidential appointees intending to
participate in party primaries or contest any elective position.

According to the circular, affected officials must submit
their resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government
of the Federation no later than March 31, 2026.

The circular partly read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has
directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to
contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections 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 INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general
elections.

“In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of
the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, which was issued by the Permanent
Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, 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, which include the following: Honourable
Ministers, Honourable 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. ”

Tinubu said the move is aimed at ensuring adherence to
electoral regulations, promoting transparency in the political process, and
creating a fair environment for all aspirants ahead of the elections.

He also called on all affected officials to comply strictly
with the directive, reiterating his administration’s resolve to strengthen
democratic institutions and support credible electoral practices in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu emphasised 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.

“He 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,” the circular read.

The development comes as political activities gather
momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections following the release of the
election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Nigeria’s electoral laws mandate political appointees
seeking elective positions to resign before taking part in party primaries, a
measure designed to prevent misuse of office and guarantee fairness in the
electoral process under the Tinubu administration.

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