The Ondo state government has directed all political appointees planning to run in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026.
This is contained in an advisory directive issued by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN. The directive cited by Ayemafuge on Tuesday was titled “Advisory Directive on Resignation Requirements for Civil Servants and Political Appointees in Ondo State Intending to Contest the 2027 General Elections.”
“It is strongly advised that all political appointees intending to contest the 2027 General Elections submit their formal letters of resignation on or before 31st March 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the Advisory said.
According to it, the purpose of the “Directive” is to ensure legal clarity, promote transparency, uphold the neutrality and integrity of the public service, and prevent avoidable disqualification or electoral disputes affecting public officers who intend to participate in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Advisory reads: “In line with my constitutional responsibility as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State to provide legal guidance to Government, public institutions, and citizens of the State, I hereby issue this Advisory Directive pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The purpose of this Directive is to ensure legal clarity, promote transparency, uphold the neutrality and integrity of the public service, and prevent avoidable disqualification or electoral disputes affecting public officers who intend to participate in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“This Advisory restates the existing constitutional and statutory obligations and is issued in the public interest.
“Career Civil Servants and Public Servants:
Sections 66(1)(f), 107(1)(f), 137(1)(g), and 182(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provide that “a person employed in the civil or public service of the Federation or of a State shall not be qualified to contest an election unless such person has resigned, withdrawn, or retired from such employment at least thirty (30) days before the date of the election”.
“Accordingly: This constitutional requirement applies to permanent and pensionable civil servants, as well as all persons holding formal employment within the public service of Ondo State.
“Such officers may continue to perform their official duties while engaging in lawful preliminary political activities, including the purchase of nomination forms and participation in party primaries, subject always to compliance with the Public Service Rules.
“However, resignation, or withdrawal must take full legal effect not later than thirty (30) days prior to the polling date as fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the relevant election.
“Non-compliance with this constitutional requirement renders the affected person constitutionally unqualified to contest and may result in disqualification by INEC or nullification of candidature through judicial proceedings.
The advisory states further that political appointees — including Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Directors-General, Chairmen and Members of Boards and Agencies, and all persons holding office at the pleasure of His Excellency the Governor — are not classified as persons employed in the civil or public service for purposes of the thirty-day constitutional resignation rule.
“Nevertheless, pursuant to relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, particularly those regulating participation in party primaries, congresses, and in order to guarantee fairness, neutrality, and compliance with democratic best practices:
“Political appointees intending to contest any elective office are required to resign their appointments before participating as aspirants or delegates in party primaries or nomination exercises.
“In alignment with the anticipated timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries, and consistent with established national practice, it is strongly advised that all political appointees intending to contest the 2027 General Elections submit their formal letters of resignation on or before 31st March 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
“Early resignation will: (a) enable full and unrestricted participation in party processes as ordinary party members;
(b) eliminate any perception of conflict of interest or misuse of official position; and
(c) ensure seamless compliance with party screening and nomination requirements.
“General Compliance and Administrative Guidance: To ensure orderly implementation:
(a) All resignation letters must be properly addressed, formally acknowledged, and take immediate effect in accordance with the Public Service Rules, applicable regulations, and relevant Government Circulars.
(b) Heads of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Parastatals are hereby directed to bring this Advisory to the immediate attention of all officers under their supervision and forward confirmation of compliance to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
(c) Public officers are reminded that participation in partisan political activities while still in active service may contravene the Public Service Rules and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
(d) Any officer who fails to comply with applicable resignation requirements risks constitutional disqualification and may also face administrative or disciplinary consequences.
“Nature of this Advisory:
This Directive is issued in good faith to assist affected public officers in making informed, lawful, and timely decisions. It does not create new law, but clarifies and restates existing constitutional and statutory obligations applicable to public officers. The advisory concluded when it reads; “Please be guided accordingly and accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
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