President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was conveyed through a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which schedules party primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
According to the circular, the directive applies to ministers, special advisers, directors-general, chief executive officers of government agencies, and other political appointees aspiring to elective offices such as governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and other positions.
Sources indicate that several cabinet members are expected to resign in the coming days to pursue their political ambitions. Among those reportedly preparing to step down are Bayo Adelabu, Bosun Tijani, Muhammad Ali Pate, Yusuf Tuggar, Abubakar Kyari, Bernard Doro, and Saidu Alkali.
Other political figures, including Hakeem Muri-Okunola, are also said to be considering similar moves as they prepare for governorship and legislative contests across states such as Lagos, Benue, Kano, Katsina, Adamawa, Kwara, Kebbi, and others.
President Tinubu said the decision is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process, ensuring that public office is not used as an undue advantage during campaigns.
Reactions to the directive have been mixed. While some analysts have described it as a step toward ethical governance and a strengthening of democratic norms, others argue that it may be largely symbolic.
Meanwhile, early compliance has begun, with reports confirming that a rector of a federal polytechnic in Kebbi State has already resigned in line with the directive. Some state governments, including Cross River, have also introduced similar, though non-punitive, measures for appointees seeking elective offices.
The development is expected to trigger a wave of resignations across federal and state institutions in the coming days as the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections begins to take shape.
