Tinubu Orders Political Appointees to Resign by March 31

President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees who wish to contest in the upcoming 2027 general elections to submit their resignations by March 31, 2026. This announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Government's Office, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The directive is in accordance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which outlines the timeline for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue party primaries ahead of the elections. The resignation requirement applies to various categories of presidential political appointees, including ministers, special advisers, and heads of federal government agencies.

President Tinubu emphasized that this measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.