President Bola Tinubu has ordered all appointees in his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive was announced in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The SGF’s office said the order is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

The circular was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the permanent secretary of the General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.

The circular stated that the directive applies to all categories of presidential political appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest for any elective office.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

“The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the circular read in part.

Those who might be affected include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers to the president, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, directors-general, and chief executive officers of federal government parastatals.

Mr Akume also urged all affected officials to ensure strict compliance with the president’s directive.

He reaffirmed Mr Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu emphasised that the 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.

“He urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria,” the circular read.