Taraba State government has directed all political appointees and civil servants planning to run in the 2027 general elections to immediately resign their positions, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).
The mandate was announced in a statement issued over the weekend by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and Special Duties. The statement, signed by Special Adviser Josiah Sabo Kente, emphasized that the directive is a non-negotiable legal requirement, not a mere administrative formality.
“The Electoral Act clearly mandates that any public office holder seeking elective office must step down within the legally prescribed timeframe before participating in party primaries or any stage of the electoral process,” the statement noted. It described the resignation requirement as a vital safeguard to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in the electoral system.
The government warned that failure to comply will invite legal consequences, including potential disqualification by relevant electoral authorities. It reiterated the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas’s commitment to constitutional governance and democratic best practices, underscoring Taraba State’s determination to uphold political discipline and strict adherence to electoral laws.
While urging strict compliance, the statement also expressed appreciation for the service of public officials and extended best wishes to those with political aspirations, provided they operate within legal confines.
Political observers view the early directive as a proactive measure to preempt violations and ensure a level playing field. By mandating resignations well ahead of party primaries, the state aims to prevent last-minute controversies that could compromise the credibility of the 2027 electoral process. The move reinforces the statutory obligation for public office holders to choose between state service and partisan politics, a cornerstone of institutional integrity in Nigeria’s electoral framework.
