President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general election to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.
Those affected by the directive include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, 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, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest for elective positions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
According to the directive, all affected officials must submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Tinubu explained that the measure is necessary to ensure compliance with electoral laws, promote transparency in the political process, and provide a level playing field for all aspirants. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
He also urged all concerned officials to strictly adhere to the directive, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral processes. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The development comes as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections following the release of the electoral timetable by the electoral commission. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Nigerian electoral laws require political appointees seeking elective office to step down before participating in party primaries to prevent abuse of office and ensure fairness in the political process. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Those affected by the directive include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, 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, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest for elective positions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
According to the directive, all affected officials must submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Tinubu explained that the measure is necessary to ensure compliance with electoral laws, promote transparency in the political process, and provide a level playing field for all aspirants. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
He also urged all concerned officials to strictly adhere to the directive, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral processes. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The development comes as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections following the release of the electoral timetable by the electoral commission. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Nigerian electoral laws require political appointees seeking elective office to step down before participating in party primaries to prevent abuse of office and ensure fairness in the political process. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Filed under
#Tinubu
#Nigeria politics
#2027 elections
#Ministers
#Electoral law
#INEC
#Government policy
#Nigeria news
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Summary
Tinubu has ordered ministers and political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 to resign by March 31, 2026, to ensure compliance with electoral laws. President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general election to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.Those affected by...
Key takeaways
- Tinubu has ordered ministers and political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 to resign by March 31, 2026, to ensure compliance with electoral laws.
- President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general election to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.Those affected by the directive include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, 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, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
- :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest for elective positions.
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Tinubu has ordered ministers and political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 to resign by March 31, 2026, to ensure compliance with electoral laws. President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general election to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.Those affected by...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Oyebade Oluwatobiloba listed as author.
When was it published?
August 10, 2026
