2027: Tinubu Orders Appointees Seeking Offices to Resign by March 31
President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees in his administration intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026, as part of efforts to ensure compliance with electoral laws and promote transparency.
The directive, which affects ministers, agency heads and presidential aides, was issued to enforce adherence to the legal framework guiding elections and to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
According to a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the order is “pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries.”
The circular was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and released by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office), Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.
It stated that the resignation requirement applies to “Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President.”
The order also covers “all Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies,” as well as other political appointees seeking elective positions.
President Tinubu said the move is necessary to “ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.”
The directive, communicated through the Head of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, Dewan Nengak Goshit, requires affected officials to submit their resignation letters through the SGF’s office before the March 31 deadline.
The administration noted that the timeline is aimed at preventing the use of public office and state resources to gain undue advantage during party primaries.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral processes, urging all affected officials to comply strictly with the directive.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
