Niger Instructs Political Appointees to Step Down Before 2027 Elections

The government of Niger State has mandated that political appointees and public officials intending to contest for elective roles during the upcoming 2027 general elections must resign from their positions by the 23rd of March, 2026.

Lawal Tanko, the Coordinator of Press Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the Niger State Government, communicated this directive through a statement issued on Sunday. The announcement references the election timetable recently made public by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement, Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), emphasized that this directive is crucial for ensuring that the electoral code of conduct is followed as candidates prepare for the elections.

INEC has previously indicated that the presidential and National Assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state House of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.

Furthermore, the commission has scheduled April 23, 2026, as the date for the commencement of party primaries nationwide as part of the preparations for the elections.

Mr. Usman noted that the requirement for public officials to resign ahead of the party primaries informed this directive from the state government.

"The conduct of party primaries is anticipated to begin on April 23, 2026," he stated.

In line with this announcement, the state officials and political appointees are urged to resign by the specified date to meet the one-month resignation requirement prevalent in electoral processes. This order encompasses all political appointees and government officials aiming to participate in the forthcoming elections.

He added that adherence to this directive will ensure that the state government aligns with constitutional mandates and electoral laws governing political engagement.

Mr. Usman also reiterated the administration's commitment to uphold the rule of law, ensuring that political processes within Niger State adhere to the established electoral framework.