President Bola Tinubu has issued a sweeping directive mandating all political appointees under his administration who plan to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive affects a broad range of officials, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, and heads of federal agencies, commissions, and government-owned enterprises.
Announced through a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the move signals an early start to political realignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, clarified that the directive applies to all presidential appointees seeking elective office or intending to participate in party primaries.
According to the government, the decision is rooted in compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.
The provision requires political appointees to step down before engaging in electoral contests, a measure aimed at ensuring a level playing field and preventing the misuse of public office for campaign purposes.
The directive is expected to trigger a wave of resignations across federal institutions in the coming weeks, as ambitious appointees weigh their political futures against their current roles in government.
