The Niger State Government has instructed all political appointees and public office holders planning to run in the 2027 general elections to step down from their positions on or before March 23, 2026.
The directive was issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, following the release of the revised 2027 electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the schedule, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
Political parties are expected to commence their primaries from April 23, 2026.
The SSG said the directive is to ensure adherence to electoral laws, which mandate public office holders to resign at least one month before their party primaries if they intend to contest elective offices.
He also urged all affected officials to submit their resignation letters before the March 23 deadline to avoid breaching electoral regulations.
He urged affected officials to submit their resignations before the March 23 deadline to avoid violating the rules guiding the electoral process.
The SSG stated, “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.
“In line with this development, all such Appointees and Officials are advised to resign their appointments by March 23, 2026, to meet the one-month requirement for resignation before seeking elective positions.”
Usman reaffirmed the Niger State Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all political activities strictly follow constitutional and electoral provisions.