In a decisive move that signals the early stirrings of the 2027 political race, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered all political appointees with ambitions for elective office to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive, announced through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is rooted in the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, and aligns with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.
A circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, made it clear that the order cuts across all tiers of presidential political appointees.
Those affected include Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, as well as Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of federal agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies, among others.
The directive mandates that all intending aspirants must formally channel their resignation letters through the SGF’s office not later than the stipulated deadline, effectively drawing a clear line between governance and political ambition.
President Tinubu подчеркed that the move is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency, and guaranteeing a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political observers say the announcement has sent ripples across the corridors of power, with many appointees now faced with a defining choice — remain in office or plunge fully into the high-stakes contest for elective positions.
The development is widely seen as a strategic step to prevent abuse of office and curb undue advantage by incumbents seeking political elevation, a concern that has long dogged Nigeria’s electoral process.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the President’s directive is expected to trigger a wave of resignations in the coming days, reshaping the political landscape and opening the door for fresh alignments within parties.
With the March 31 deadline fast approaching, the message from the presidency is unmistakable: the race for 2027 must be fair, transparent, and firmly anchored in the rule of law.
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