As rightly reported by the last edition of Exclusive News, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

 

The directive, which aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is aimed at ensuring a transparent and fair political process ahead of party primaries.

 

The instruction was conveyed in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.

 

According to the circular, the resignation requirement affects all categories of presidential political appointees seeking elective office. These include Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, as well as Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal government agencies, parastatals, commissions, and government-owned companies.

 

All affected officials have been directed to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation no later than the stipulated deadline.

 

President Tinubu emphasized that the measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants.

 

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