President Bola Tinubu has mandated that all political appointees eyeing elective positions in the 2027 general elections must vacate their posts by March 31, 2026.
This directive aims to harmonize the administration’s operations with the nation’s evolving legal framework while ensuring that no candidate leverages state resources for an unfair advantage during the upcoming primary season.
The presidential order, articulated in a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), draws its authority from Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
By setting this deadline, the President is aligning his cabinet and executive staff with the official timetable recently established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The requirement spans the entirety of the executive branch, affecting everyone from senior ministers and special advisers to the heads of federal agencies and government-owned corporations.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, alongside Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, emphasized that the scope of this mandate is absolute.
It explicitly includes all levels of presidential aides and the chief executives of parastatals who intend to seek nomination for any elective office.
Through this proactive measure, President Tinubu intends to foster a transparent political environment and promote a level playing field for all aspirants, regardless of their current standing within the government.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, affected officials are instructed to channel their formal resignation letters through the office of the SGF.
This administrative sweep, confirmed by the OSGF’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Dewan Nengak Goshit, underscores a commitment to preventing the entanglement of public office with partisan ambitions.
