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President Bola Tinubu has ordered all political appointees in his administration planning to run for elective positions in the 2027 general elections to vacate their offices on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive covers a wide range of officials, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal aides, as well as directors-general and chief executives of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned enterprises.

The order was conveyed through a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of party primaries for the 2027 polls.

The circular, endorsed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and released by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, stated that the directive applies to all presidential appointees intending to participate in party primaries or contest any elective position.

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

The circular partly read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026. The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, which was issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office, which include the following: Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants the President, Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President.

“Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026. ”

Tinubu said the move is aimed at ensuring adherence to electoral regulations, promoting transparency in the political process, and creating a fair environment for all aspirants ahead of the elections.

He also called on all affected officials to comply strictly with the directive, reiterating his administration’s resolve to strengthen democratic institutions and support credible electoral practices in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu emphasised that the measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.

“He urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria,” the circular read.

The development comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections following the release of the election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Nigeria’s electoral laws mandate political appointees seeking elective positions to resign before taking part in party primaries, a measure designed to prevent misuse of office and guarantee fairness in the electoral process under the Tinubu administration.

Tinubu orders political appointees seeking elective offices to resign before March 31

Sources familiar with the situation described the development as “deeply damaging,” alleging that both factions are being directly influenced and funded by the sons of the former vice president.