Dare Babalola
In a bid to ensure compliance with electoral laws and promote transparency in the political process, President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions by March 31, 2026.
The directive, contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, applies to various categories of presidential political appointees, including Honourable Ministers, Special Advises, Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, among others.
The statement read partly, “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 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.”
According to the circular, the resignation requirement is pursuant to Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The circular stated, “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.”
Affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by the stipulated deadline.
The circular emphasised, “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 stressed the importance of the directive, saying, “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 the directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
