The Niger State Government has directed all political appointees and public office holders intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 23, 2026.
The directive, issued by Secretary to the Government of Niger State, SSG, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, follows the release of the revised 2027 electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
According to the timetable, presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027 while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
Political parties are expected to begin their primaries from April 23, 2026.
The SSG explained that the directive ensures compliance with electoral laws, which require public office holders to resign at least one month before party primaries if they wish to contest elective positions.
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.
