Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered all political appointees in his administration who plan to contest in the forthcoming elections to resign by March 31, 2026.
The directive was announced yesterday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Tofa, through an official circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim. The circular emphasized strict adherence to Nigeria’s electoral laws, which govern the participation of public office holders in partisan politics.
According to the circular, the move aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires certain public officials to step down before contesting elections or participating in party primaries. The government explained that the directive is designed to ensure neutrality, accountability, and integrity within the public service while maintaining a level playing field for all political aspirants. “Political appointees who intend to contest in the forthcoming elections are required to resign or retire, as applicable, on or before Tuesday, March 31, 2026,” the circular stated.
All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state have been instructed to widely publicize the circular and ensure full compliance. Officials stressed that this directive is part of a broader effort to reinforce transparency and align governance with electoral guidelines ahead of the next general elections.
Governor Yusuf’s directive mirrors similar moves at the federal level. Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed political appointees interested in contesting the 2027 elections to resign by the same deadline, in line with the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for party primaries.
Other states have also issued comparable directives. In Niger State, political appointees planning to contest elections were required to step down ahead of party primaries, with officials noting that the move is necessary to comply with electoral regulations and prevent abuse of office.
