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By Correspondent in Minna.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Niger State Government has directed all political appointees and public office holders intending to contest elective positions to resign their appointments within two weeks.
Our correspondent reports that the directive followed the release of the revised timetable for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, and signed by the Coordinator, Press Affairs, Lawal Tanko, the government said the measure was necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of Nigeria’s amended electoral laws.
According to the timetable released by INEC, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
According to the statement, the directive will enable interested officials to adequately prepare for party primaries slated to commence on April 23, 2026, as part of activities leading to the 2027 polls.
It noted that Nigeria’s amended Electoral Act requires public office holders seeking elective positions to resign their appointments at least one month before the commencement of party primaries.
“I am directed to draw the attention of all political appointees and other government officials desiring to contest for elective positions that the conduct of party primaries is to commence from April 23, 2026.
“Consequently, all state political appointees and government officials are advised to resign their appointments on or before March 23, 2026, in order to meet the one-month deadline requirement before seeking elective positions,”the statement said.
The state government urged affected officials, including political appointees and civil servants nursing political ambitions, to submit their resignation letters within the stipulated period to avoid violating the rules guiding the electoral process.
It reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring strict adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable released by the nation’s electoral body.
The Reporters gathered that the directive is expected to trigger political realignments within the state as the countdown to the 2027 general elections gathers pace across the country.
