FG Gives Ministers, Aides March 31 Ultimatum to Quit Over 2027 Ambitions

Nigeria ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants and heads of federal agencies who harbour political ambitions for the 2027 general elections have been given until March 31, 2026, to resign from office.

The directive was issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to create a level playing field for all aspirants and ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Nengak Goshit, the directive applies to all presidential appointees, including directors-general and chief executive officers of parastatals, agencies, commissions and federal government-owned companies. Affected officials are required to submit their letters of resignation through the Office of the SGF not later than March 31, 2026.   

The move is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which bars serving public officers from participating in party primaries while still in office. Party primaries for the 2027 elections are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with candidate nominations expected between June 27 and July 11. Several ministers are already believed to be nursing ambitions for governorship seats in 2027.

Among those reportedly interested are Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo), Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari (Borno), Transportation Minister Ahmed Alkali (Gombe), Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi), and Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia). Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris is also said to be under pressure from supporters to contest the Niger State governorship, but he has reportedly declined, citing his desire to continue serving in the Tinubu administration.

In the statement, President Tinubu was quoted as stressing that the resignation deadline was necessary to promote transparency, prevent conflict of interest, and reinforce public confidence in the electoral process. The directive is expected to trigger a major cabinet reshuffle in the coming weeks as affected officials formally declare their intentions or step aside.

The development signals the official beginning of intense political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties already preparing for primaries in line with INEC’s revised timetable.