President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given ministers and other presidential appointees nursing political ambitions until March 31, 2026, to resign from their positions .
The directive was issued through a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and is aimed at creating a level playing field ahead of next year’s general election .
According to the statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Nengak Goshit, the order is to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries .
INEC’s timetable stipulates that primaries to select candidates for the January and February 2027 elections must be held between April 23 and May 30, after which parties will submit their candidate lists and electronic registers of members .
Those affected by the directive include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants and personal assistants to the President, as well as directors general and chief executives of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions and government owned companies who intend to contest elections .
All such officials are required to route their resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on or before March 31, 2026 .
The move is intended to prevent conflicts of interest, promote transparency and protect the integrity of the political process as parties prepare for primaries and campaigns .
Among cabinet members believed to be considering governorship bids are Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu in Oyo State, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari in Borno, Minister of Transportation Ahmed Alkali in Gombe, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar in Bauchi and Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha in Abia .
Adelabu has reportedly been shuttling frequently to Oyo to consult and mobilise support, while Tuggar has also been engaging stakeholders in his home state .
Kyari, a former acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, is part of the political leadership structure in Borno now under Vice President Kashim Shettima, and could leave the cabinet if he formally enters the governorship race .
There are also reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris is under pressure from supporters to challenge Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, but he is said to have declined, citing his commitment to continue serving under President Tinubu and his reluctance to unsettle a first term governor .
President Tinubu was quoted as saying that the resignation notice is necessary to uphold fairness, avoid abuse of office and reinforce public confidence in the conduct of party primaries and the wider electoral process .
He urged strict compliance with the directive and restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible elections in 2027 .
The development comes as political activities begin to intensify across the country, with parties preparing their nomination processes in line with INEC’s schedule for the upcoming general elections .
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