Tinubu Directs Appointees Contesting 2027 Elections to Resign by March 31

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive requiring all political appointees in his administration who wish to run for elective positions in the 2027 general elections to step down from their roles on or before March 31, 2026.

The announcement was contained in an official circular released Tuesday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

According to Dewan Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, the decision complies with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and aligns with the timetable already published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

The circular, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume and issued via Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, covers the following categories of presidential appointees:

Ministers and Ministers of State

Special Advisers to the President

Senior Special Assistants to the President

Special Assistants to the President

Personal Assistants to the President

Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies

All other political appointees appointed by the President

Any affected official intending to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office must submit a formal letter of resignation through the OSGF no later than March 31, 2026.

The circular stated in part:

“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. This directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

President Tinubu stressed that the measure is critical to ensuring strict adherence to electoral laws, maintaining transparency, and creating a level playing field for all aspirants in the pre-election period.

The President reiterated his administration’s dedication to fortifying democratic institutions and upholding credible, fair electoral processes across Nigeria, urging full and prompt compliance from all concerned officials.

The directive is coming at a time when political consultations and early manoeuvring for the 2027 elections are gaining momentum, following INEC’s release of its detailed timetable and schedule of activities.

Under Nigerian law, political appointees are barred from contesting primaries or elections while still holding public office in order to prevent the abuse of incumbency privileges and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.