President Bola Tinubu has instructed political appointees in his administration who plan to contest in the 2027 general election to step down from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive affects a wide range of officials. They include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, and personal assistants. It also covers directors-general and chief executive officers of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies, along with other presidential appointees.
The order was conveyed through a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. It aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
The circular was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and released by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana. It clarified that the requirement applies to all political appointees who intend to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for elective positions.
According to the document, affected officials must submit their resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than the stated deadline.
The circular 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.”
The President explained that the decision is intended to ensure adherence to electoral laws, promote transparency, and guarantee fairness among aspirants.
“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 preparations gather pace for the 2027 general election following the release of the electoral timetable by INEC.
Under Nigerian law, political appointees who intend to contest elections are required to resign before taking part in party primaries. This provision is designed to prevent misuse of office and ensure fairness in the electoral process.
