By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, Niger state government has given all Political Appointees and other public office holders who are interested in contesting elective positions in the coming dispensation two weeks deadline to resign their appointments.
The directive as contained in a statement from the office of the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, followed the release of revised timetable for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Presidential and National Assembly elections, according to the time table will be on the 16th of January, while that of Governors and State Houses of Assembly are scheduled for the 6th of February 2027.
The statement signed by the Coordinator Press Affairs, office of the SSG, Lawal Tanko, said the reminder is to enable those that wants to contest elective positions the opportunity to prepare for party primaries next month, April 23rd, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive, according to the state government’s directive is necessary to ensure strict compliance with the amended electoral laws and guidelines regulating participation in the elective offices.
Nigeria's amended electoral laws according to the SSG, required for public office holders who intend to contest elections to resign their appointments at least one month before commencement of party primaries.
The statement made available to journalists on Sunday therefore urged all the affected Political Appointees and serving civil servants with political ambitions to submit their resignation letters on or before the stipulated time to avoid violating the rules guiding electoral processes.
"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 23rd of April, 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.”
He reiterated the state government's commitments to upholding the rule of law, noting that the call on those that wants to contest elections to resign is to ensure that Niger state strictly complied with political activities/time table in conformity with Nigeria's electoral acts. NNL.
