Indications have emerged that a number of political appointees have prepared their resignation letters in compliance with the March 31, 2026, deadline issued by some state governors and President Bola Tinubu but are yet to submit it as of today.
The investigations by our correspondent in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Akwa Ibom States indicate that a significant number of aides, commissioners, and special advisers have resolved to comply with the directive but not without first securing their March salaries.
President Tinubu and governors like Senator Monday Okphebolo (Edo) and Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) had in a circular mandated all political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections to step down before the end of March in compliance with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, many of them are tactically holding on until their March pay cheques are received before formally tendering their resignation letters.
Speaking to our correspondent, some of the affected appointees, many of whom are eyeing seats in the National Assembly and state assemblies, say the decision to resign is both strategic and unsettling.
An aide to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who is seeking a House of Representatives seat, said under anonymity that “we have no choice but to comply. But let’s be honest, nobody wants to leave before collecting their March salary. Politics is expensive, and every naira counts at this stage.”
Another appointee in Bayelsa State, a serving commissioner also eyeing the House of Representatives, described the situation as “a leap into the unknown.”
“You’re leaving a structured system, official security, and steady income for something that is not guaranteed. Elections in Nigeria are unpredictable. But we believe in our grassroots strength and political structures,” he said.
In Delta State, a special adviser who confirmed his intention to contest for a state assembly seat noted that the directive has forced many to accelerate consultations and finalize political alignments.
He said: “Ordinarily, some of us would have preferred to remain in office longer to consolidate our networks. But the law is clear. Still, it would be unwise to walk away without settling immediate financial obligations, hence the wait for March salary before submitting our exit letters.
“Most people will not know how important even the least money is, and contesting an election is very expensive. Even if I secure the privilege of being endorsed as a consensus candidate, I will still spend money in the main election, which is where the real battle is. So, let me get my March alert before sending the SSG my letter.”
Despite the compliance momentum, findings reveal that some state governors in the Niger Delta are quietly uneasy about the impending mass exit of key members of their cabinets.
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A top government source in Edo State disclosed that certain appointees considered “indispensable” are being persuaded to reconsider their ambitions because of the great work they are doing in their respective offices and the way and manner they are effortlessly implementing the vision of the governor.
“These are individuals who understand the machinery of governance and have delivered significantly. Losing them at once creates a vacuum. Some governors are reluctant, but they are also bound by law” the source said.
In Rivers State, only those occupying statutory agencies of government might throw in the towel to seek elective offices as Governor Siminalayi Fubara only recently formed a mini cabinet with no indication of any of them planning to resign to contest the coming elections.
Political analysts say the development underscores the tension between governance and ambition, especially as the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum earlier than expected.
They noted that while the directive by President Tinubu and the governors aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to electoral laws, it also exposes appointees to the harsh realities of Nigeria’s political terrain.
For many of those stepping down, the coming months will be a test of political relevance, financial endurance, and grassroots appeal.
As one departing appointee put it: “After March salary, we move. It’s a risk but in politics, you either take it or remain a spectator.”