Bola Ahmed Tinubu Directs Political Appointees Seeking Elective Offices To Resign By March 31, 2026

Bola Ahmed Tinubu directs political appointees seeking elective offices to resign by March 31, 2026 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed all political appointees in his administration who plan to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026. The directive is aimed at ensuring adherence to the nation’s electoral laws and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of party primaries. According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the resignation requirement is in line with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act and the schedule released by INEC for the conduct of party primaries in preparation for the 2027 polls. The resignation order applies to a wide range of presidential political appointees who intend to run in party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office in the forthcoming elections.

• Ministers and Ministers of State,
• Special Advisers, senior and special assistants to the President,
• Personal Assistants to the President,
• Directors‑General and Chief Executive Officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government‑owned companies,
• Other political appointees appointed by the President.

The statement, signed by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, was issued on behalf of Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The government noted that the March 31 deadline is designed to ensure strict compliance with electoral laws that require public office holders to resign before contesting elective positions and to promote fairness in the political process. The directive also reflects INEC’s guidelines on the timing of party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. President Tinubu emphasised that the measure is necessary to uphold transparency and a level playing field for all aspirants preparing for political contests next year. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes across the country. Affected officials have been urged to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before the March 31 deadline to avoid violating statutory provisions. The directive is expected to trigger a series of resignations among federal appointees who are positioning themselves for 2027 electoral bids, in accordance with national law and INEC’s election timetable.