By Muhammad Mamman
The government of Niger State has directed all political appointees and public officials intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions, giving them a deadline of March 23, 2026, to step down.
The directive was issued in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, following the release of the revised election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 
According to the timetable, presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027. Political parties are expected to begin their primaries on April 23, 2026. 
Usman said the directive was necessary to ensure compliance with provisions of Nigeria’s electoral laws, which require public office holders seeking elective positions to resign their appointments at least one month before the start of party primaries.
“I am directed to draw the attention of all political appointees and government officials who desire to contest for elective positions that party primaries will commence from April 23, 2026,” the statement said. 
“In line with the law, all such officials are advised to resign their appointments on or before March 23, 2026, to meet the mandatory one-month requirement before seeking elective office.”
The state government urged all affected officials to comply with the directive to avoid violating electoral regulations that could lead to disqualification from contesting. 
The administration also reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that political activities in the state align with the legal framework guiding elections in Nigeria.
The move comes as political preparations intensify across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, with aspirants expected to begin positioning themselves for party nominations in the coming weeks.
