Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has directed all political appointees intending to contest in the 2026 general elections to resign their appointments in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on
Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa.
According to the statement, the order was conveyed through
an official circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar
Ibrahim, emphasising the need for strict adherence to extant electoral laws.
The circular noted that the decision aligns with Section
88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which regulates the participation of public
office holders in partisan political activities.
It added that the measure is aimed at promoting neutrality,
accountability and integrity in the public service, while ensuring a level
playing field for all aspirants.
“Political appointees who intend to contest in the
forthcoming elections are required to resign or retire, as applicable, on or
before Tuesday, March 31, 2026,” the statement partly read.
The state government also directed all Ministries,
Departments and Agencies to give the circular wide publicity and ensure full
compliance.
The directive forms part of efforts by the administration to
align with electoral guidelines and strengthen transparency in the political
process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
PUNCH Online reports that Yusuf’s directive requiring
political appointees seeking elective office to resign is consistent with
Nigeria’s electoral legal framework and recent political developments ahead of
the 2027 general elections.
Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act provides guidelines
regulating the participation of public office holders in partisan politics,
particularly requiring certain categories of appointees to step down before
contesting party primaries or elections. The provision is designed to prevent
abuse of office, ensure neutrality of public institutions and promote a level
playing field among aspirants.
Similar directives have recently been issued at the federal
and state levels as political actors begin preparations for the next electoral
cycle. For instance, President Bola Tinubu directed political appointees
interested in contesting the 2027 elections to resign on or before March 31,
2026, in line with the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the
Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries.
Likewise, some state governments have implemented comparable
measures to ensure compliance with electoral regulations. In Niger State,
political appointees intending to contest elections were directed to resign
ahead of party primaries, with officials noting that the requirement aligns
with electoral guidelines governing participation in elections.
These developments reflect broader efforts by governments at
different levels to strengthen transparency, reduce incumbency advantage and
reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027
general elections
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