President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign from their offices on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive affects a broad category 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 instruction was communicated through a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in accordance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of party primaries for the 2027 elections.
The circular, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and released by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, clarified that the directive applies to all presidential appointees planning to participate in party primaries or seek elective offices.
According to the document, all affected officials are required to 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 explained that the move is intended to ensure compliance with electoral laws, enhance transparency in the political process, and create a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.
He also urged all affected officials to strictly adhere to the directive, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in the country.
“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 directive comes as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the release of the election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Nigeria’s electoral framework requires political appointees seeking elective positions to resign before participating in party primaries, a provision aimed at preventing abuse of office and ensuring fairness in the electoral process under the Tinubu administration.
