The Kebbi State Government has directed all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), dated March 2, 2026, and signed by the Director, State Executive Council, Kabiru Hassan Wasagu, on behalf of the SSG and sighted by the PUNCH on Monday.
It reads, “The directive is in line with extant laws and government regulations guiding the participation of public office holders in partisan politics.
“All affected officials are to tender their formal letters of resignation to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government on or before March 31, 2026, for necessary action.”
Those affected include the Chief of Staff, commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, chairmen and members of statutory commissions, heads of extra-ministerial departments and agencies, permanent secretaries, as well as local government chairmen and other political appointees.
The circular further directed accounting officers and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies to give the directive wide publicity, stressing that “strict compliance is expected from all concerned.”
The development is seen as part of early political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political actors begin to position themselves for various elective offices.
In Nigeria, public office holders are often required to resign before participating fully in partisan political activities, particularly where such roles may conflict with their official responsibilities.
Analysts say the Kebbi directive mirrors similar steps taken in previous election cycles across states, aimed at preventing the use of public office for political advantage and ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.
The move also signals the state government’s intention to enforce administrative discipline and compliance with electoral guidelines well ahead of the 2027 polls.
