Date: March 25, 2026 l Reporter: Iwuh
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has issued a sweeping directive ordering all political appointees and aides intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign from their offices on or before March 31, 2026, in a move set to trigger major political realignments in the state.
The directive was conveyed through an official circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government and made public by the governor’s spokesperson, emphasizing strict compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws.
According to the circular, any political appointee seeking to participate in the upcoming elections must step down within the stipulated deadline, in line with provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
Government officials explained that the decision is aimed at promoting transparency, neutrality, and fairness in the political process, ensuring that those holding public office do not use their positions to gain undue advantage ahead of party primaries and elections.
All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Kano State have been directed to widely circulate the order and ensure full compliance, signaling the administration’s determination to enforce the policy without exceptions.
The move aligns with similar directives issued at the federal level, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier instructed political appointees seeking elective offices to resign before the same deadline, as preparations intensify nationwide for the 2027 polls.
Political observers say the directive could lead to a wave of resignations across Kano State, potentially reshaping the political landscape and accelerating campaigns ahead of the elections.
Analysts also note that such measures are increasingly being adopted across Nigeria to curb the misuse of incumbency power and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, attention is now focused on which top government aides and officials will step down to pursue political ambitions, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a highly competitive race toward the 2027 general elections.