2027: Niger orders political appointees seeking elective offices to resign

The Niger State Government has directed political appointees and public office holders eyeing elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before 23 March.

The Coordinator of Press Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Lawal Tanko, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, citing the recently released timetable for the elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, the directive became necessary to ensure compliance with electoral regulations guiding participation in elections.

INEC had earlier announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on 16 January 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for 6 February 2027.

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The electoral commission also fixed 23 April 2026 for the commencement of party primaries across the country as part of preparations for the general elections.

Mr Usman said the requirement for public officials seeking elective offices to step down ahead of party primaries informed the state government’s directive.

“The conduct of party primaries is expected to commence from April 23, 2026,” he said.

“In line with this development, all such appointees and officials are advised to resign their appointments by March 23, 2026, in order to meet the one-month requirement for resignation before seeking elective positions,” he added.

The SSG said the directive applies to all political appointees and government officials in the state who plan to contest in the forthcoming elections.

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He noted that compliance with the directive would ensure that the state government adheres to constitutional provisions and electoral laws regulating political participation.

Mr Usman also reiterated the state government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that political activities in Niger State conform with established electoral guidelines.