BREAKING: Tinubu Directs Political Appointees Seeking 2027 Offices to Resign (See Date)

Abuja, Nigeria –

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered all political appointees who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their government positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive, contained in a circular released on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, affects a wide range of presidential appointees.
According to the circular, the resignation requirement applies to:
Ministers and Ministers of State
Special Advisers to the President
Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants
Personal Assistants
Directors-General
Chief Executive Officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies
Other political appointees serving at the pleasure of the President
The order aims to ensure a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections by requiring politically ambitious officeholders to step down from their positions to focus on their campaigns and avoid conflicts of interest.
Political stakeholders have described the move as consistent with democratic norms, while some analysts believe the timeline underscores the administration’s intent to maintain fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
The March 31 deadline is expected to trigger a wave of resignations in the coming weeks as key figures within the ruling party and the federal government assess their political ambitions for 2027.
Further details on compliance and transition arrangements are anticipated from the Office of the SGF in the coming days.