The Federal Government has ordered ministers and other political appointees with aspirations to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was conveyed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, giving affected officials a 13-day deadline to vacate their positions.
In a statement issued by the Office of the SGF, the Head of Information and Public Relations, Nengak Goshit, said the decision followed a presidential directive aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws and safeguarding the integrity of the political process.
According to the statement, the order is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries.
INEC had fixed April 23 to May 30 for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
The directive affects ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants to the President, as well as directors-general and chief executive officers of agencies, parastatals, commissions and government-owned companies.
“All affected officials are to submit their letters of resignation through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026,” the statement read.
Findings indicated that several cabinet members are already positioning themselves for governorship contests in their respective states.
Among them are Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo); Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari (Borno); Minister of Transportation, Ahmed Alkali (Gombe); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi); and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia).
Adelabu is said to have intensified consultations in Oyo State, while Tuggar has also been engaging political stakeholders in Bauchi State.
Kyari, a former acting National Chairman of the APC, is believed to be weighing his chances within the Borno political structure led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is reportedly under pressure to contest the Niger State governorship but has declined, citing his commitment to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his reluctance to challenge incumbent Governor Mohammed Bago.
The President was quoted as saying the directive became necessary to promote transparency, prevent conflict of interest and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
He also urged strict compliance, reiterating his administration’s commitment to credible elections and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
The development comes amid rising political activities as parties begin to align with INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general elections.
