Tinubu Orders Appointees Seeking Election to Resign Within Two Weeks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed his appointed officials intending to run in the upcoming 2027 elections to resign by March 31, 2026.

This announcement was made via a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Tuesday.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed all political appointees under his administration who wish to contend for elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to vacate their positions on or before March 31, 2026," the statement revealed.

This directive aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, along with the schedule published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning party primaries for the 2027 elections.

A memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and released by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, outlined that this resignation requirement applies to all classes of presidential political appointees aiming to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nominations for any elective positions, which includes Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants to the President, Personal Assistants to the President, all Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, along with all Other Political Appointees of the President.

All implicated officials are expected to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by the deadline of March 31, 2026.

President Tinubu highlighted that this measure is essential for adherence to electoral laws, ensuring transparency in the political landscape, and fostering a fair environment for all candidates ahead of the elections.

He urged all affected officials to heed this directive and ensure full compliance, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to reinforcing democratic institutions and facilitating credible electoral processes in Nigeria.