By Our Correspondent
National News – The governments of Kwara and Cross River states have directed public officials who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions in line with constitutional provisions and public service rules.
The directive in Kwara State was conveyed through an official circular dated March 13, 2026, signed by Dr. Okedare Adeyinka on behalf of the Head of Service.
The circular, addressed to commissioners, heads of extra-ministerial departments, chairmen of commissions and other government establishments, emphasised that civil servants seeking elective offices must relinquish their appointments before participating in the electoral process.
According to the circular, the decision followed the release of the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The state government stated that the directive aligns with Paragraph 2(a) of Part I of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the Code of Conduct for public officers.
The circular also referenced provisions within the Public Service Rules, particularly PSR 04421 and PSR 04422, which regulate the participation of civil servants in partisan politics.
Authorities stressed that any public servant intending to seek elective office must comply fully with the rule by resigning from the service.
Similarly, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu directed members of the State Executive Council and all political appointees planning to contest in the 2027 elections to step down from office.
In a statement shared on his official social media platform, the governor instructed that all affected officials must submit their resignations on or before March 26, 2026.
He noted that the measure was necessary to maintain focus in governance and prevent distractions arising from political ambitions.
Otu explained that holding public office is a responsibility that should not be mixed with personal political pursuits.
According to him, the administration must remain fully committed to delivering its mandate without interference from early campaign activities.
He described the directive as a principled decision rather than a punitive one, adding that it reflects global best practices and ensures fairness among political aspirants.
Under the timetable released by the electoral commission, party primaries are scheduled to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, while the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027.
Governorship and state assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
