All political appointees in the President Bola Tinubu administration seeking to contest elective offices in the 2027 elections have been directed to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.
The president gave the directive pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, 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 offices.
The directive was in a statement signed on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dewan Nengak Goshit, Head, Information & Public Relations
The appointees include Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President,
According to the statement,the appointees “also include all Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, and 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.
“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.”
