Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has directed all political appointees intending to contest elective positions to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The directive was issued as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections. Electoral regulations require public office holders seeking elective positions to step down before participating in party primaries.

Similar directives have been issued at the federal level, where political appointees have been asked to resign to ensure compliance with electoral laws and promote fairness in the political process.

According to the directive, all affected appointees in Kano State are required to submit their resignation letters on or before the March 31 deadline.

The order applies to a wide range of political office holders, including:

• Commissioners
• Special advisers
• Senior special assistants
• Special assistants
• Personal assistants
• Other political appointees in ministries, departments and agencies

The directive requires that affected officials formally disengage from their roles before participating in political processes leading to party primaries.

The government stated that resignation letters must be submitted through the appropriate administrative channels within the state structure.

It also directed that outgoing appointees should hand over responsibilities to permanent secretaries or the most senior civil servants in their respective offices to ensure continuity in governance.

The directive is consistent with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political appointees to resign before seeking elective positions.

It also aligns with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The move reflects growing political preparations across states as parties begin internal processes leading to candidate selection.

Several state governments have issued similar instructions to regulate the participation of serving appointees in electoral contests.

The directive establishes a clear timeline for political appointees in Kano State who intend to contest elections.

It also reinforces compliance with electoral laws designed to ensure transparency and prevent the use of public office for political advantage.