Benue Governor Alia Sets March 30 Deadline for Appointees' Resignations
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has issued a directive requiring all political appointees who intend to contest elective positions in the upcoming 2027 general elections to resign from their current roles. The governor has set a firm deadline of Monday, March 30, 2026, for the submission of resignation letters.
Clear Direction for Continuity
Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, emphasized the importance of timely resignations in a statement released on Friday, March 20, 2026. Kula quoted the governor as stating that early resignations would provide a clear pathway for appointing replacements to ensure uninterrupted governance and service delivery.
"The earlier those who want to resign tender their resignation letters, the better, as it will give me a clear direction to get other hands that will fill the position for continuation," Kula conveyed the governor's message.
This move is part of Governor Alia's broader administrative strategy, which remains focused on enhancing infrastructure development and improving public service delivery across Benue State, even as electoral preparations gain momentum.
Similar Actions in Other States
The directive in Benue State mirrors similar political developments elsewhere in Nigeria. In Edo State, key officials including Water Resources Commissioner Washington Osifo and Deputy Chief of Staff Plus Alile have reportedly resigned from Governor Monday Okpebholo's cabinet to pursue their own elective ambitions.
Governor Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), had previously mandated all political appointees in Edo State to resign by March 1, 2026, highlighting a growing trend of state executives ensuring compliance with electoral regulations ahead of the 2027 polls.
Federal-Level Implications
Meanwhile, at the federal level, reports indicate that several ministers in President Bola Tinubu's cabinet are preparing to resign to pursue governorship positions in their respective home states. These cabinet members are said to be actively engaging with supporters and stakeholders in anticipation of the 2027 party primaries.
Ministers with political aspirations are expected to adhere to electoral rules by resigning from their positions at the appropriate time before formally declaring their candidacies, ensuring compliance with legal requirements for public office holders seeking elective positions.
Governor Alia's directive underscores the increasing focus on administrative continuity and electoral preparedness as Nigeria approaches another significant election cycle, with state and federal officials aligning their political strategies with regulatory frameworks.
