- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday gave all political appointees who are interested in contesting the next general elections till March 31 to quit his government.
This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by Dewan Goshit, the Head of Information and Public Relations to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SSG).
According to Goshit, the President’s directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As also contained in a circular signed by the SSG, Sen. George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office.
The political appointees as listed in the circular include Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, and Special Assistants the President.
Others include Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President.
Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026.
Tinubu emphasised that the measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, and uphold transparency in the political process.
This, according to the President, is also aimed at promoting a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.
He urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance.
Tinubu, according to the statement, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.