President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a final notice to all political appointees with eyes on elective positions for the 2027 general elections, ordering them to vacate their current offices on or before March 31, 2026. This move is seen as a major step to prevent the interference of governance with early political campaigning and to ensure that the administration’s focus remains on delivering its mandate.
The Presidency made this known in a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The directive, according to the statement, is in strict adherence to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and follows the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable for party primaries.
The order was formalised in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. The mandate clarifies that any appointee, ranging from Honourable Ministers and Special Advisers to Directors-General of Federal Agencies and CEOs of government-owned companies, who wishes to participate in upcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office must submit a formal resignation letter by the end of the month.
President Tinubu emphasized that the directive is a necessary measure to uphold transparency and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants. By demanding these resignations, the President aims to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the electoral process is not compromised by the influence of sitting executive power.
The statement added that affected officials have been urged to comply strictly with the deadline, as the administration remains committed to a credible and professional transition toward the 2027 polls.