Tinubu Orders Political Appointees Seeking Elective Office To Resign By March 31

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive, according to the presidency, is in line with the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political party primaries ahead of the elections.

The order was conveyed in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.

The circular stated that the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who intend to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office.

Those affected include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants and personal assistants to the president, as well as directors-general and chief executive officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions and government-owned companies. Other political appointees serving under the president are also covered by the directive.

According to the circular, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation no later than March 31, 2026.

President Tinubu said the measure is aimed at ensuring full compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency in the political process and guaranteeing a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.

He urged all concerned officials to comply strictly with the directive, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.

The statement was issued by the head of information and public relations in the Office of the SGF, Dewan Nengak Goshit.