Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Kano, Nigeria — In a significant political development as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has directed all political appointees who intend to contest elective positions to resign from their posts on or before March 31, 2026. The move is designed to ensure strict compliance with Nigeria’s electoral legal framework and to uphold the neutrality and integrity of the public service in the run‑up to critical polls across the country.
The directive, made public through an official circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, underscores the need for political appointees to adhere to Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026. That section of the law regulates the participation of public office holders in partisan politics and mandates that anyone holding a political appointment and seeking elective office must relinquish their position before participating in party primaries or campaigns.
According to the state government’s statement, the order applies to all political appointees across ministries, departments and agencies who are planning to contest in the forthcoming elections. Those affected are expected to submit their resignation letters by the end of March, after which they will be free to pursue political ambitions without holding public office. Government officials were instructed to widely publicise the circular to ensure full compliance within the state’s civil and executive structures.
The directive reflects a broader pattern emerging nationally, with similar instructions coming from other levels of government. At the federal tier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently ordered political appointees in his administration who wish to contest the 2027 general elections to resign by the same deadline. This is intended to enable fair competition and prevent the abuse of public office for partisan advantage, in line with electoral guidelines and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Governors in other states have issued comparable orders in recent days. For instance, the Governor of Delta State and the Governor of Zamfara State have announced that their political appointees seeking elective positions must also step down by March 31. These actions illustrate a coordinated effort across different regions to align state practices with national and electoral standards ahead of an intense political season.
Political observers note that the timing of the directive corresponds with the political calendar released by INEC, which schedules party primaries and other critical preparatory events leading up to the elections. The law requires that public office holders resign at least 30 days before participating in party primaries. By setting the deadline for March 31, Kano State’s leadership is seeking to ensure that aspirants meet the statutory requirement and avoid legal challenges that could jeopardise their candidacies.
The governor’s order also addresses broader concerns about the impartiality of public institutions during election periods. Allowing serving political appointees to campaign while holding public office can create perceived or actual advantages, potentially undermining public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process. The directive is intended to promote a level playing field by ensuring that all contestants engage in the political process without leveraging the influence of government positions.
Kano State’s political landscape has been dynamic in recent years, with leadership transitions and administrative reforms shaping governance. Abba Yusuf, who has been serving as governor since assuming office, has emphasised the importance of due process and legal compliance in state affairs. He has sought to ensure that appointments and governance operations reflect both constitutional provisions and public expectations for transparency and accountability.
The directive affects a wide range of public officials including commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants and other political appointees at the state level. Those intending to contest for positions in federal or state legislative bodies, governors’ seats, or other elective offices are required to tender their resignations by the deadline to safeguard the integrity of their campaigns and respect electoral norms.
Reactions among political actors and appointees have been mixed. Some officials have welcomed the clarity provided by the governor’s circular, noting that it gives incumbents sufficient time to plan their transitions ahead of primaries. Others have expressed concerns over the personal and professional implications of resigning before officially securing party nominations, especially given the competitive nature of electoral politics in Nigeria. Regardless, the directive is clear that compliance is mandatory.
Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, highlighting that Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act seeks to prevent conflicts of interest and prevent the undue use of office resources for campaign purposes. Neutrality of public institutions during electioneering is a cornerstone of democratic governance, and the Kano governor’s order seeks to reinforce this principle at the state level. Non‑compliance with these provisions could expose aspirants to legal challenges or disqualification from contesting.
The march toward the 2026 general elections is gathering momentum nationally, with political parties gearing up for primaries and aspirants across the country mobilising support. Kano State, one of Nigeria’s most populous and politically significant states, is expected to play a key role in the electoral outcomes. By enforcing the resignation deadline, the state government is signalling its commitment to an orderly and legally compliant political process.
Political appointees in Kano have until March 31 to decide whether to pursue elective office or remain in their current roles. As the deadline approaches, observers will be watching to see how many officials step down and how this shapes the candidate landscape ahead of party primaries and the general elections.
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