The Niger State Government has directed all political appointees and public office holders intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 23, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, following the release of the revised timetable for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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According to the timetable released by the electoral body, elections for the President and members of the National Assembly will be held on January 16, 2027, while elections for state governors and members of state Houses of Assembly are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
INEC also indicated that political parties will begin their primaries on April 23, 2026, as part of preparations for the elections.
Usman said the directive became necessary to ensure strict compliance with electoral laws guiding participation in elective offices.
“I am to draw the attention of all Political Appointees and other Government Officials who desire to contest for elective positions that the conduct of party primaries is expected to commence from April 23, 2026,” the SSG said.
He explained that the law requires public office holders seeking elective positions to resign at least one month before the commencement of party primaries.
“In line with this development, all such Appointees and Officials are advised to resign their appointments by March 23, 2026, in order to meet the one-month requirement for resignation before seeking elective positions,” Usman added.
The SSG reiterated the state government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that political activities in the state strictly comply with constitutional and electoral provisions.
