President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive affects a wide range of officials, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, as well as directors-general and chief executive officers of federal government agencies, parastatals, and commissions.
The order was conveyed in a circular issued by 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 released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
The circular was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana.
According to the directive, all affected appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest elective offices must submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation no later than the stipulated deadline.
The move is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws and promoting a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections.
