President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive requiring all political appointees in his administration who plan to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign from their roles on or before March 31 2026. The order which was communicated through a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF aims to ensure full compliance with relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for party primaries leading up to the polls.

The directive covers a wide range of presidential appointees including Honourable Ministers Ministers of State Special Advisers to the President Senior Special Assistants Special Assistants Personal Assistants Directors General Chief Executive Officers of federal parastatals agencies commissions and government owned companies as well as other political appointees. Affected individuals are required to submit formal resignation letters through the OSGF no later than the March 31 deadline.

This move is seen as a proactive step to prevent the misuse of public office for electoral advantage uphold the integrity of the political process and level the playing field ahead of the 2027 elections. It aligns with Section 84 12 or related sections of the Electoral Act which restrict serving public officials from participating in primaries without first vacating their positions. The announcement has already sparked discussions among political observers with some viewing it as a commitment to fair play while others anticipate potential cabinet reshuffles as several high profile figures may be affected if they choose to pursue ambitions such as governorship senatorial or other elective roles.

As the deadline approaches attention will turn to which appointees submit resignations signaling their intent to run and how the President will fill any resulting vacancies to maintain governance continuity.