By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated that all political appointees in his administration seeking to contest in the 2027 general elections must resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive, issued in an official circular by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), applies to a broad spectrum of presidential appointees. This includes Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President. It also extends to Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies.
According to the circular, the order is in compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and aligns with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable for upcoming party primaries.
The circular was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and released through the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.
The government stated that the measure is designed to ensure strict adherence to electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants. 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 the March 31 deadline.
