Tinubu orders political appointees seeking elective positions to resign by March 31

President Bola Tinubu has directed that all political appointees in his government who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections must step down from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive spans a wide spectrum of officials, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior and regular special assistants, personal aides, as well as directors-general and chief executives of federal agencies, parastatals, commissions, and government-owned companies.

This order was communicated via a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, citing Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and aligned with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The circular, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and released by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, specifies that the requirement applies to all presidential appointees planning to participate in party primaries or pursue any elective office.

The circular stated in part, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, which was issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office, which include the following: 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, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President.

“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.”

According to Tinubu, the directive is intended to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, enhance transparency in the political process, and create an equal playing field for all election aspirants.

“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,” the circular added.

The announcement comes amid increasing political activity as parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 elections, following the release of the official timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Nigeria’s electoral regulations require political appointees who wish to contest elections to resign before participating in party primaries, a measure designed to prevent the misuse of official positions and guarantee fairness in the electoral process under the Tinubu administration.