There are strong indications that two presidential appointees from Kano State, Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu and Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’o’ji, may soon resign their positions in compliance with the directive issued by Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kano Times reports that President Tinubu had directed all political appointees under his administration seeking elective offices in 2027 to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and signed by the SGF, George Akume.
According to the circular, the decision is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.
“All affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026,” the circular stated.
Kawu, who currently serves as Executive Commissioner (Technical) at the National Pension Commission (PenCom), is reportedly eyeing a return to the House of Representatives to contest for the Tarauni Federal Constituency seat in Kano.
He previously represented the constituency between 2019 and 2023 before losing his re-election bid. Political posters bearing his image have already surfaced across parts of the constituency, signalling his renewed ambition.
Similarly, Ja’o’ji, who is serving as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, is also said to be preparing to contest for the same Tarauni Federal Constituency seat.
Findings indicate that his campaign posters and billboards have been mounted in strategic locations across Kano State, further fuelling speculations about his imminent resignation.
The president noted that the resignation directive is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency, and creating a level playing field for all aspirants.
Tinubu also urged affected appointees to strictly adhere to the directive as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
Meanwhile, INEC has scheduled party primaries for elective positions between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while submission of candidates’ names is expected to close on July 11 for presidential and National Assembly elections, and August 8 for governorship and House of Assembly polls.
The development suggests that more political appointees across the country may soon step down from their positions as the 2027 elections draw closer.
