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President Bola Tinubu has directed political appointees in his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was issued in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and released through the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.
According to the circular, the order is based on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable for party primaries issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 polls.
The directive applies to “all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office.”
Those affected include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants to the president, directors-general and chief executive officers of federal government agencies, parastatals, commissions and government-owned companies, and other political appointees.
Under the directive, all affected officials must submit formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation no later than March 31.
The presidency said 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.”
Tinubu urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance, saying it is part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and support credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS POLITICAL APPOINTEES SEEKING ELECTIVE OFFICE TO RESIGN BY MARCH 31, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027…
— OSGF (@OfficialOSGF) March 17, 2026
