President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees within his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to step down from their roles no later than 31 March this year.
The directive, which signals an early push for political clarity ahead of the polls, was disclosed yesterday by the Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dewan Goshit.
The directive 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 (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026.
President Tinubu emphasised that the measure 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. He urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the move is aimed at ensuring that public officials seeking elective office focus fully on their political ambitions without compromising the responsibilities of governance. It also underscores the administration’s effort to promote accountability and prevent conflicts of interest within public service.
The announcement is expected to trigger a wave of resignations in the coming weeks, as appointees weigh their political aspirations against their current roles in government.
