Abuja, 17 March 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their posts on or before 31 March 2026.
The directive, issued pursuant to Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable for party primaries, aims to ensure full compliance with electoral laws and maintain a level playing field for all aspirants.
A circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary in the General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, specifies that the requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees wishing to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office.
Those affected include:
Honourable Ministers and Ministers of State
Special Advisers to the President
Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants to the President
Personal Assistants to the President
All Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies
All other political appointees of the President
Affected officials must submit formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation no later than 31 March 2026.
In the statement, President Tinubu emphasised that the measure is essential to uphold transparency in the political process and strengthen democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 polls. He urged all concerned officials to comply strictly with the directive.
The announcement was released by Dewan Nengak Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
This development comes as political activities intensify in preparation for the 2027 general elections, with INEC having recently issued a revised timetable following updates to the Electoral Act.
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