All Presidential Appointees Must Resign by March 31 to Contest 2027 Elections, Says Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to run for elective office in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026.

The directive is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.

A circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and signed by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, specifies that the resignation requirement applies to all presidential political appointees. This includes ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior and regular special assistants, personal aides, directors-general, CEOs of federal agencies and parastatals, and other presidential appointees.

All affected officials are expected to submit formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation no later than the March 31 deadline.

President Tinubu emphasized that the measure is intended to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency, and create a level playing field for all aspirants. He called on officials to adhere strictly to the directive, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to credible elections and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Nigeria.