By Obinna Uballa
President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees in his administration who plan to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their posts on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was announced in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) on Tuesday.
Dewan Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, confirmed the development in a statement, explaining that the measure aligns 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, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued through Permanent Secretary (General Services Office), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, applies to a wide range of presidential appointees, including:
Honourable Ministers
Honourable Ministers of State
Special Advisers to the President
Senior Special Assistants to the President
Special Assistants to the President
Personal Assistants to the President
Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies
All other political appointees of the President
Affected officials are required to submit formal resignation letters through the OSGF no later than March 31, 2026, if they intend to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office.
The circular partly reads: “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.”
Tinubu emphasised that the step is essential to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, maintain transparency in the political process, and guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants.
“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 statement added.
The order comes amid rising political activity as aspirants position themselves for the 2027 elections, following INEC’s release of its timetable and guidelines for party primaries and other preparatory activities.
Nigerian electoral law prohibits serving political appointees from participating in primaries or contests while holding office, aiming to prevent the misuse of incumbency advantages and promote fairness in the democratic process.
