President Bola Tinubu has moved to tighten electoral discipline within his administration, directing all political appointees with ambitions for the 2027 general elections to step down from office by March 31, 2026. The decision is being framed as a governance measure aimed at safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The directive, announced through a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, applies to ministers, aides, and heads of federal agencies who intend to seek elective positions. Officials say the order is designed to prevent any overlap between public office responsibilities and campaign activities.

According to the circular signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the instruction is anchored on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, alongside the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries. Authorities say this alignment is critical to ensuring legal compliance across board.

Those affected include Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and other presidential aides. It also extends to Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of government agencies, commissions, and publicly owned companies, reflecting a broad sweep across the federal structure.

Officials within the presidency say the policy is intended to create a level playing field by removing the advantages that incumbency could provide during party primaries. By enforcing early resignations, the administration aims to reduce the risk of public resources being deployed for political campaigns.

The directive further requires all affected appointees to channel their resignation letters through the SGF’s office before the deadline. The process, according to government sources, is part of a coordinated effort to ensure transparency and proper documentation as the election cycle approaches.

President Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, stressing that compliance with electoral laws is essential for credible elections. The move signals a governance-focused approach to the 2027 polls, with authorities emphasizing accountability and fairness as central pillars of the process.