Tinubu orders all political appointees eyeing 2027 elections to resign

President Bola Tinubu has issued a sweeping directive ordering all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026 — a move that is expected to trigger a significant cabinet reshuffle with just two weeks to go before the deadline.

The directive covers a wide range of officials, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal aides, as well as directors-general and chief executives of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned enterprises. The order was conveyed through a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of party primaries for the 2027 polls. Affected officials must submit their resignation letters through the Office of the SGF no later than March 31, 2026.

The circular, endorsed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and released by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, stated that President Tinubu emphasised 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.

The legal basis for the directive is unambiguous. According to Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, “A political appointee at any level shall not be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention, congress, and primaries of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election” — meaning ministers, commissioners, special advisers, and all other political appointees must resign their appointments before participating in party primaries either as aspirants or delegates.

The directive arrives amid reports of significant political ambition within the cabinet. At least four ministers are reportedly positioning themselves for state-level contests: Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, who is eyeing the Oyo State governorship; Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of Health, who is believed to be weighing the Bauchi governorship race; Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, also reportedly linked to Bauchi; and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour, who is said to be planning a return to the House of Representatives.

INEC recently revised its electoral timetable, setting party primaries between April 22 and May 20 — making the March 31 resignation deadline a hard cut-off point for any official who wishes to participate in or vote at a primary convention.

The federal directive also follows similar orders issued by state governments. The Niger State Government directed all its political appointees intending to contest in 2027 to resign by March 23, 2026, citing the one-month requirement for resignation before seeking elective positions under the Electoral Act.

INEC separately dismissed a report circulating online claiming it had fixed March 26 as the resignation deadline for ministers and other public office holders, clarifying that no such directive had been issued by the electoral body.

Political observers say the March 31 directive, coming just weeks before INEC’s primary season opens, will sharpen the focus of political manoeuvring around the Tinubu cabinet and could set off one of the most consequential reshuffles of his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.