President Tinubu directs political appointees seeking 2027 elective offices to resign by March 31, 2026

The federal government has officially directed all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026. The directive, contained in a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, affects ministers, special advisers, heads of agencies, and all presidential appointees.

The resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office. The list includes: Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants to the President, Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies, as well as all other political appointees of the President.

Affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026. President Tinubu emphasised that the measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants.

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🚨 Four ministers already directed to step down for governorship races

According to authoritative sources within the presidency, the directive is already being operationalised. At least four ministers have been personally communicated to resign immediately in order to pursue governorship tickets in their respective states ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources say the directive is part of the pre‑election protocol requiring political appointees to resign before contesting elective offices, ensuring a level playing field in the upcoming gubernatorial races. Political analysts note that this move signals the start of intense political maneuvering across several key states, as influential ministers prepare to transition from federal roles to state‑level electoral contests. Lagos, Oyo and Bauchi are expected to become political battlegrounds with these heavyweights entering the race.

The circular, signed by Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, on behalf of the SGF, specifically mentioned that the resignation condition applies to “all political appointees of the President” and warned that failure to resign by the deadline would disqualify them from participating in the primaries.