President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive is pursuant to the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, which was issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office, which include the following: Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants the President, Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President.

Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026.

President Tinubu emphasised that the measure is necessary to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.

He urged all concerned officials to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.

Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculation linking him with a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his commitment to his party.

The governor had recently been the subject of reports suggesting he might be considering leaving the opposition party, with claims that such a move could occur within the week.

However, while dismissing the rumour shortly after presiding over the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday, Mohammed downplayed the claims, stressing that he had made no official statement indicating any intention to quit the PDP.

He maintained that the reports are unfounded, reaffirming his continued membership of the party.

“I find it amusing that even when I have not said anything officially, people are already discussing me as if I have moved,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi on Tuesday arrived the United Kingdom on a three-day official visit.

The Nigerian leader and his wife were received by the UK royalty with pomp and ceremony by King Charles 111 and his spouse, Queen Camila, even as some angry Nigerian protesters gathered outside the historic Windsor Castle to register their displeasure over the visit.

Members of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, also known as TIB UK and backed by TIB Global, held loud demonstrations. They carried signs and chanted slogans like “Nigeria Is Better Without Tinubu.” The group accused the United Kingdom of giving support to what they call a “rigged presidency.

The protesters said the UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is wrong to roll out the red carpet and royal honours for Tinubu. They claimed his election was not fair and that his leadership has brought more hardship, corruption, and insecurity to Nigeria.
One protest message read: “We reject Keir Starmer’s legitimisation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu through royal pageantry. No honour in validating injustice.”

The TIB Movement also pointed to Nigeria’s serious problems, including economic difficulties and rising insecurity. They said the country “deserves better than Tinubu” and that many Nigerians are suffering under his rule.
President Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, are on a three-day state visit to the UK from March 17 to 19. The visit includes ceremonial events, bilateral meetings, and a full military reception at Windsor Castle. It is Nigeria’s first full state visit to Britain in more than 50 years.

UK authorities tightened security around Windsor ahead of the visit. They put restrictions on airspace and roads to keep things safe.
The Nigerian government has previously said it expects some people to try to embarrass President Tinubu during his trip abroad. Supporters of Tinubu argue the visit shows Nigeria’s importance on the world stage and will help build better ties with the UK for trade and investment.