Mass resignations loom as political appointees prepare for 2027 elections

Political appointees across Nigeria are expected to resign their positions by March 23, 2026, as preparations intensify for the 2027 governorship and legislative elections at both state and national levels.

The move, in line with the new Electoral Act 2026 and the revised timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), mandates that appointees vacate office at least 30 days prior to party primaries, which are scheduled to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

The development is expected to trigger a wave of resignations across the three tiers of government, affecting ministries, agencies, and political offices, except for elected officials at the state and federal levels.

Among the notable figures expected to step down is the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.

Adelabu, who previously contested against the incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde in both 2019 and 2023, formally announced his 2027 ambition in October 2025, stating: “I have now paid my dues… In 2027, God has shown that it’s our turn. It’s Adelabu’s turn.”

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Mallam Ahmed Galadima Aminu, is reportedly set to resign to pursue the governorship of Adamawa State, where the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Umaru Fintiri, will complete his two-term tenure by May 29, 2027.

In Lagos State, speculation is rife over the potential candidates to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu7. Observers suggest that Education Minister Tunji Alausa may enter the race, although he has not confirmed his resignation.

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Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is also considered a potential contender, though he does not hold a political office requiring resignation.

Political analysts note that the real powerbroker in Lagos is the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which previously influenced the exit of Ambode in 2019, elevating the then-little-known Sanwo-Olu as the party’s candidate.

Current speculation positions Deputy Governor Kadir Obafemi Hamzat as a strong aspirant for the APC ticket if he chooses to contest, given that his status as an elected official exempts him from the resignation requirement.

Experts suggest that the mass resignations will reshape the political landscape, as ministries and agencies brace for the exit of key leaders. Political analyst, Dr. Chukwudi Eze, noted: “This is a predictable but transformative period.

Resignations by high-profile appointees will create vacancies that could affect service delivery in the short term, but they also signal serious commitment to the 2027 electoral contest.”

Another political commentator, Professor Amina Yusuf, highlighted the strategic dimensions, stating: “Timing of resignation is crucial. Candidates who step down early can consolidate support within their parties, while those who delay risk losing momentum. Lagos will be a fascinating case study, given the GAC’s history of influencing candidate selection.”

With March 23 as the looming deadline, political watchers expect a flurry of letters of resignation over the coming weeks, signaling the official start of the 2027 election season and setting the stage for a highly competitive cycle across states and at the federal level.