Kano Orders Public Officers to Resign for 2026 Polls

Kano State Orders Public Office Holders to Resign Ahead of 2026 Elections

The Kano State Government has mandated all political appointees planning to contest in the 2026 general elections to vacate their offices by March 31, 2026. The directive, issued in a circular dated March 24, 2026, and signed by Secretary to the State Government Umar Farouk Ibrahim, applies to commissioners, special advisers, directors-general, and other senior political appointees.

The circular states that the order aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits public servants from engaging in partisan political activities while in office. It emphasizes that compliance is essential to uphold the constitutional principles of civil service neutrality, accountability, and integrity. “All public officers who are interested in contesting in the forthcoming general elections are requested to resign or retire as the case may be on or before Tuesday, 31st March 2026,” the circular read.

This move aims to prevent the misuse of state resources and ensure a level playing field during elections. The state government has urged all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to widely disseminate the directive and ensure strict adherence.

The instruction mirrors a nationwide expectation under Nigeria’s electoral laws, which require public officers to resign or retire before contesting partisan elections. Observers note that such directives are periodically enforced by state governments to preempt violations and reinforce the separation between civil administration and political campaigns.

With the 2026 election cycle approaching, the directive sets a clear timeline for potential candidates within Kano’s executive branch. It also signals the administration’s intent to comply with federal regulations governing public officers’ political participation. The step is likely to influence the preliminary political landscape in the state, as officeholders finalize their electoral decisions.

The government’s call for wide circulation underscores the importance of awareness among affected officials. Non-compliance could result in legal consequences under the Electoral Act. This action places Kano among states proactively implementing pre-election compliance measures ahead of the general polls.