By Sunday Stephen

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to all political appointees eyeing elective offices in the 2027 general elections: resign or step aside.
In a sweeping order, the President mandated that every appointee under his administration intending to contest must vacate office on or before March 31, 2026, in strict compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The directive, conveyed in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, leaves no room for ambiguity.
Those affected span the full spectrum of presidential appointees — including Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies.
All must submit their resignation letters through the Office of the SGF no later than the stipulated deadline.
President Tinubu made it clear that the move is aimed at enforcing electoral law, ensuring transparency, and guaranteeing a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of party primaries.
The message is unmistakable: no public office holder will be allowed to leverage incumbency while pursuing political ambition, as the administration doubles down on its commitment to credible and fair elections.