Tinubu orders political appointees eyeing 2027 elections to resign by March 31

President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees in his administration who plan to contest any elective office in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive was communicated through an official circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.

It covers all categories of presidential appointees, including Honourable Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants to the President, as well as Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies.

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The directive is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and follows the timetable published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

All affected officials are required to submit their resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before the March 31 deadline.

President Tinubu said the directive is necessary to ensure that everyone who wants to participate in the elections does so on equal footing, without the advantage that comes with holding a government position. He also said it is part of his administration’s broader commitment to following electoral laws and supporting a transparent political process.

He urged all officials affected by the directive to take note and comply accordingly.