Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has issued a formal directive requiring all political appointees who intend to participate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign from their government positions no later than March 31, 2026. The announcement forms part of compliance with Nigerian electoral law and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for party primaries, and reflects growing political preparations as the nation edges closer to one of its most consequential election cycles in years.
The directive was communicated through a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, and is grounded in Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by INEC to guide party nomination events ahead of the 2027 polls. Under the regulation, public office holders who seek to contest elective offices are required to resign sufficiently in advance of party primaries so as to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
According to the statement, the resignation requirement applies broadly to all categories of political appointees in Delta State, including commissioners, advisers, directors-general, executive assistants, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants and other non-career office holders within the state government. Those affected have been advised to submit formal letters of resignation through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and to hand over administrative responsibilities to the most senior career officers in their respective ministries, departments and agencies.
Officials have emphasised that strict compliance with the deadline is mandatory for any appointee wishing to participate in party primaries or seek party nomination for elective positions. The directive is aimed at preventing political appointees from using the influence of their public offices to gain advantage in internal party selection processes or in the general elections themselves.
Political observers say this move aligns with a broader trend across Nigerian states as the 2027 election cycle intensifies. The requirement for appointees to exit office before contesting elections is intended to preserve the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that aspirants operate outside the institutional privileges of government authority and allowing for more equitable competition among candidates. Compliance with such provisions also serves to circumvent legal challenges that could arise from public office holders remaining in their positions while seeking elective mandates.
For many political appointees in Delta State, the governor’s directive represents both a procedural requirement and a tactical crossroads. Resignation ahead of the March 31 deadline allows aspiring candidates to formally enter the race, participate in party primaries and engage with grassroots constituencies without the encumbrance of political office. However, it also means relinquishing official roles and government benefits in order to pursue electoral ambitions — a decision that carries political and personal risk depending on each individual’s prospects in a competitive landscape.
Once appointees resign, their duties will be transitioned to senior career civil servants who serve on merit rather than political appointment. These career officers, including permanent secretaries and other senior civil service officials, are expected to maintain continuity of governance and ensure minimal disruption to public service delivery in the lead-up to the general election and beyond.
The governor’s move also reflects the political climate in Delta State and across Nigeria as politicians realign, prepare for elections and negotiate the intricate balance between governance and political ambition. Governors and political leaders are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate adherence to both statutory requirements and democratic norms as stakeholders call for transparent, fair and credible elections in 2027.
As the deadline approaches, attention is likely to shift to how many appointees will step down to pursue elective office and which positions they will target — whether legislative seats, executive roles, or other political offices at the state and federal levels. The coming weeks and months are expected to see a flurry of political activity in Delta State, with aspirants mobilising support, navigating party processes and positioning themselves for a significant electoral contest that will shape Nigeria’s political trajectory.
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