President Tinubu Orders Resignation of Political Appointees Seeking Elective Office
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has issued a directive requiring all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest any elective office in the upcoming 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the elections.
The instruction was conveyed in a circular signed by Senator George Akume, CON, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and issued through the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni.
According to the circular, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who intend to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office. This includes:
- 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 Government Parastatals, Agencies, and Commissions
- Heads of Government-owned Companies
- All other political appointees of the President
Affected officials are mandated to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation no later than March 31, 2026.
President Tinubu emphasised that the directive is intended to ensure strict compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
He further urged all concerned officials to take note and comply fully, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.