A directive requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to resign by March 31 yielded fewer departures than expected, as only one resignation was formally confirmed on the deadline day. The development turned what had been anticipated as a busy day at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation into what observers described as an anti-climax.
The directive, issued by President Bola Tinubu through the Office of the SGF on March 17, 2026, mandated all affected appointees to vacate their positions in line with electoral law ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The circular, signed by George Akume, cited compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, stating it was “pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Section 88(1) requires political officeholders to resign before participating in party primaries, a measure intended to prevent the misuse of public office for electoral advantage. The rule applies broadly across ministers, presidential aides, and heads of federal agencies.
According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, party primaries are scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with deadlines for submission of candidates set for July and August.
As of late Tuesday, only the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, had resigned in compliance with the directive, following earlier exits by other appointees. Alkali stepped down to pursue the governorship of Gombe State and formally conveyed his decision after meeting the President.
In his resignation, Alkali expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted progress in the transportation sector during his tenure. The Presidency confirmed acceptance of his resignation and commended his contributions.
The limited number of resignations has effectively curtailed the ambitions of several cabinet members. Notably, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, did not step down by the deadline, thereby abandoning his previously declared intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to preparations for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, with emerging divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress over the proposed leadership of the campaign organisation. Party stakeholders have resisted suggestions to appoint the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as Director General.
Party sources indicated that northern stakeholders are opposed to entrusting the campaign leadership to a non-party member, insisting instead on maintaining the tradition of selecting a director-general from within the governors’ caucus.
Amid these debates, consultations are ongoing within Tinubu’s political circle to determine a suitable campaign structure and leadership. Allies, including key figures across regions, are reportedly being considered as the President positions his team ahead of the formal launch of campaign activities later in 2026.