2027: Tinubu directs political appointees seeking elective office to resign

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday directed all his political appointees who intend to contest for elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive of the President was contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office of SGF, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, on Tuesday.

Akume said 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 2027 elections.

The circular also indicated that Tinubu issued the directive was issued in line with the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resignation directive, according to the circular applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office

It identified those affected by the resignation directive to include 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.

Also, all affected officials are to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026, according to the circular.

“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.