ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a definitive directive mandating all political appointees within his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to vacate their offices on or before March 31, 2026.
The order, which aims to ensure a level playing field and maintain the integrity of the electoral process, was conveyed on Tuesday, March 17, in a circular issued from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Scope of the Directive
The presidential “quit notice” covers a sweeping range of high-ranking and mid-level officials across the federal government. Those affected include:
- Cabinet Members: Ministers and Ministers of State.
- Presidency Aides: Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Special Assistants (SAs), and Personal Assistants (PAs).
- Agency Heads: Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Federal Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-Owned Enterprises.
- All other political appointees serving at the pleasure of the President.
Legal and Electoral Compliance
The directive is rooted in Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the newly released timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political party primaries. By setting a March 31 deadline, the Presidency is forcing appointees to choose between their current executive roles and their 2027 political aspirations well ahead of the primary season.
The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and released by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, explicitly states that all affected officials must submit their formal resignation letters through the OSGF no later than the close of business on the deadline date.
Political Implications
This move is expected to trigger a significant shake-up in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and within the leadership of several key federal agencies. Political analysts suggest that the directive will lead to a wave of high-profile exits, as several ministers and agency heads have long been rumored to be eyeing governorship seats or legislative positions in their respective states.
The presidency noted that the measure is intended to prevent the use of public resources for personal political campaigns and to minimize distractions within the administration as it enters the critical second half of its four-year tenure.
