Tinubu Sets March 31 Deadline for Appointees Seeking Elective Positions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees interested in contesting elective offices in the next election cycle to resign on or before March 31, in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, stressing that the move is aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and preventing conflicts of interest among serving government officials. According to the statement, the deadline applies to ministers, special advisers, heads of agencies, and other political appointees who may wish to participate in party primaries ahead of upcoming elections.

The Presidency explained that the order followed consultations with the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress and legal advisers, who noted that public officers must step down before seeking elective positions to guarantee fairness and transparency in the political process.

A senior government official said the decision was also intended to allow the administration focus on governance without distractions from political campaigns. He added that the President expects strict adherence to the directive, warning that failure to comply could attract disciplinary measures, including removal from office.

Political observers believe the announcement signals the beginning of early preparations for the next round of elections, as several appointees have been rumored to be considering governorship, senatorial, and House of Representatives bids.

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Some analysts also noted that the directive could trigger a cabinet reshuffle if a significant number of ministers and agency heads decide to pursue elective positions.

Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, welcomed the order but urged the government to ensure that the rule is applied uniformly to all officials without favoritism.

As the March 31 deadline approaches, attention is expected to focus on which top officials will resign and which will remain in office, a development that could reshape the political landscape in the coming months.