By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Kwara and Cross River state governments have directed civil servants and political appointees seeking elective offices in 2027 to resign. 

Kwara’s directive, issued via a circular from the Head of Service, cites INEC’s revised timetable and constitutional provisions as the basis for this mandate.

The order applies to all heads of government establishments and commissioners to ensure legal compliance.

Cross River Governor Bassey Otu set a strict resignation deadline of March 26, 2026, for his cabinet and political appointees. He emphasized that public office is a sacred trust that should not be distracted by personal political ambitions.

Otu stated that this move ensures the administration remains focused on delivering its campaign promises to the people.

In Kwara, the government referenced the 1999 Constitution and Public Service Rules to justify the mandatory resignations. The circular noted that it is imperative for the Office of the Head of Service to enforce these rules following INEC’s updated schedule. Officials were warned that strict adherence is necessary for anyone intending to participate in the upcoming electoral process.

Governor Otu described the directive as a principled approach aligned with global best practices rather than a punitive measure. He argued that the state’s progress must take priority over individual aspirations and that the public deserves undivided attention. He called for full compliance to maintain accountability and discipline within his administration.

The urgency stems from INEC’s 2027 timetable, which schedules party primaries between April and May 2026. With presidential elections set for January 16, 2027, and governorship polls for February 6, 2027, early resignations are legally required for aspirant eligibility. This timeline ensures a clear distinction between active governance and political campaigning.

This trend extends to the federal level, as President Bola Tinubu has ordered his appointees to resign by March 31, 2026, if seeking office. These collective mandates across state and federal levels aim to prevent the use of state resources for personal campaigns. The goal is to sanitize the political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.