President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees in his administration seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their posts on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive affects a broad category of officials, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, and personal aides, as well as directors-general and chief executives of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned enterprises.
The order was communicated through a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of party primaries for the 2027 elections.
The circular, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and released by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, stated that the directive applies to all presidential appointees intending to contest elective offices.
It read 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, including Honourable Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, 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.”
Tinubu said the decision is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency, and guaranteeing a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the polls.
“President Tinubu emphasized 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.
Among those affected are Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who is eyeing the Oyo State governorship; Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Pate; Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, both linked to Bauchi politics; and Minister of State for Labour Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who is reportedly planning a return to the National Assembly.
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections following the release of the election timetable by INEC.
Nigeria’s electoral laws require political appointees seeking elective positions to step down before participating in party primaries, a provision designed to prevent abuse of office and ensure fairness in the electoral process.
