The Kwara State Government has directed civil servants intending to contest for elective public offices in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The directive was contained in a circular dated Friday, March 13, 2026, and signed by Dr Okedare Adeyinka on behalf of the Kwara State Head of Service.

A copy of the circular was sighted by The PUNCH in Ilorin on Tuesday.

The circular was addressed to all heads of government establishments, including commissioners, chairmen of commissions, and heads of extra-ministerial departments across the state.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State also directed members of the State Executive Council and all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions.

In the Kwara letter, the government cited the release of the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the basis for the directive.

The letter read, “Consequent on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s issuance of a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, it is imperative for the Office of the Head of Service to reiterate that civil servants who seek elective public offices are to resign their appointments.”

It further noted that the directive was in line 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.

“In addition, the attention of all concerned is also drawn to the provisions of the Public Service Rules (PSR 04421 and 04422),” the letter added.

The government emphasised that all affected civil servants were expected to comply strictly with the directive if they intended to participate in the forthcoming elections.

“Civil servants who intend to contest for elective offices in the upcoming elections are required to comply accordingly,” the letter stated.

Otu, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, said the resignation order must be complied with on or before March 26, 2026.

Speaking during a State Executive Council meeting, he stressed the need to maintain focus and discipline in governance, while avoiding distractions associated with early political activities.

“As Governor of Cross River State, I have directed that any member of the State Executive Council, as well as all political appointees who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections, must resign from office on or before March 26, 2026,” he said.

The governor emphasised that public office should not be used as a platform for personal political ambition.

“Public office is a sacred trust, and it must never be conflated with personal political ambition. Our people deserve undivided attention, and this administration will not compromise on that responsibility,” he added.

He noted that the decision was necessary to ensure that governance remained uninterrupted and focused on delivering on campaign promises.

Describing the directive as principled rather than punitive, the governor said it aligns with global best practices and promotes fairness among aspirants.

“I expect full compliance with this directive. Together, let us uphold accountability, discipline, and selfless service. The progress of our dear state must always come before personal ambition,” the governor added.

According to INEC’s timetable, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, are scheduled to commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026, while campaigns are expected to follow thereafter.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections have been fixed for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.

In the same vein, President Bola Tinubu has directed political appointees under his administration seeking elective offices to resign on or before March 31, 2026. (Punch)

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