President Tinubu Issues Resignation Directive for Appointees Targeting 2027 Elections
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated that all political appointees within his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections must resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026. This directive, announced on Tuesday, aligns with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act and the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries leading up to the 2027 polls.
Official Statement and Scope of the Directive
The development was officially disclosed in a statement released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). The statement was signed by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, acting on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. According to the statement, this directive applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who plan to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office in the forthcoming elections.
The affected officials include:
- Ministers and Ministers of State
- Special Advisers to the President
- Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President
- Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies
- Other political appointees appointed by the President
Compliance and Submission Requirements
The government has stipulated that all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by the March 31, 2026 deadline. The statement explicitly noted, "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."
Rationale and Commitment to Democratic Principles
The Presidency explained that this directive is intended to ensure strict compliance with electoral laws and promote fairness in the political process ahead of the elections. President Tinubu emphasized that the measure aims to uphold transparency and provide a level playing field for all aspirants preparing to participate in party primaries and the 2027 general elections. The administration also reiterated its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
This move underscores the government's dedication to maintaining integrity within the electoral framework, as INEC has already fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential election. By enforcing this resignation requirement, the administration seeks to prevent any potential conflicts of interest and foster an environment where all candidates can compete equitably, thereby reinforcing public trust in the democratic system.
