BREAKING: Tinubu orders political appointees eyeing 2027 elections to resign by March 31

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration seeking to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

Those affected include 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, commissions, and government-owned companies.

The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, alongside the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana, stated that the resignation requirement applies to all presidential appointees intending to participate in party primaries or seek elective office.

According to the directive, all affected officials must submit their resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on or before the stipulated deadline.

President Tinubu said the measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency in the political process, and guaranteeing a level playing field for all aspirants. He urged all concerned officials to adhere strictly to the directive.

The move comes amid ongoing preparations for the 2027 general elections following the release of the electoral timetable by the electoral body.

Nigerian electoral laws mandate political appointees to step down before participating in party primaries to prevent abuse of office and ensure fairness in the electoral process.

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