KANO, NIGERIA — The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has issued a formal directive requiring all political appointees who intend to run for elective positions in the 2026 general elections to step down from their current roles. This order ensures that the state government remains in compliance with the legal framework established by the federal government of Nigeria to govern the conduct of public officials during election cycles.
The instruction was publicized on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, through a statement released by Sunusi Tofa, the spokesperson for the Governor. The mandate was officially distributed via a circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim. This high ranking administrative official emphasized that the move is a necessary adherence to the country’s existing electoral statutes.
According to the official communication, the decision is rooted in Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026. This specific piece of legislation serves as the primary rulebook for elections in Nigeria, outlining how public office holders must manage their transitions if they choose to engage in partisan political contests. Okay News reports that the primary objective of this enforcement is to maintain a high standard of accountability, neutrality, and integrity within the civil service. By requiring these resignations, the administration aims to prevent the use of public resources for personal campaigns and to ensure a fair environment for all candidates.
The circular explicitly states that any appointee wishing to participate in the upcoming polls must submit their resignation or retirement notice on or before Tuesday, March 31, 2026. To ensure total transparency, the Kano State government has instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to give the notice maximum internal publicity and to confirm that every affected official complies with the timeline.
Kano State, located in northern Nigeria, is one of the most populous and politically influential regions in the country. This local directive mirrors recent actions taken at the national level. President Bola Tinubu recently issued a similar ultimatum to federal officials, aligning with the schedule set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the body responsible for overseeing all elections in Nigeria. These coordinated efforts across different levels of government are designed to strengthen the democratic process and reduce the advantages often held by those currently in power.
