Resign now or risk 2027 poll disqualification, INCOS-DE warns political appointees, civil servants

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By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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ABUJA –POLITICAL appointees and civil servants eyeing the 2027 general elections have been advised to immediately review Nigeria’s new Electoral Act and seek legal counsel on resignation requirements, or face potential disqualification.

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The warning was issued by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development Experts in Nigeria, INCOS-DE, Hon. Kunle Yusuff.

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Yusuff emphasized that ignorance of the law offers no defense, urging affected public officers to submit resignation letters as stipulated to avoid severe electoral consequences.

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In a public statement, he advised: “Attention political appointees and civil servants considering contesting in the 2027 election: Familiarize yourself with the new electoral law or consult a legal expert to ensure compliance.

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“Specifically, understand the requirements for resignation or submitting a resignation letter,” Yusuff stated. “Non-compliance may lead to consequences.”

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With the 2027 polls approaching, INCOS-DE’s intervention aims to prevent legal pitfalls that have derailed candidacies in past cycles.

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He explained that the advisory aligns with Section 66(1)(f) and related provisions of the Constitution, as amended by the Electoral Act 2022, which mandate that public officers resign at least 30 days before the election date to run for office.

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Yusuff’s call underscores growing scrutiny on public office holders transitioning to partisan politics amid Nigeria’s evolving electoral framework under INEC.

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Signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, 2026, the Act scraps the old Electoral Act 2022 and overhauls federal, state, and area council elections with iron-fisted reforms.

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No more shady backroom deals—Yusuff stressed that ignorance of the law is no shield, and non-compliance spells disaster, including automatic disqualification.

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At the heart of the shake-up are Sections 84 to 88, which gut the nomination game: Section 84 bans indirect delegate primaries, enforcing direct primaries or consensus only—good luck getting every rival to bow out voluntarily.

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Section 85 mandates parties to alert INEC before primaries.Section 86 hands INEC a watchdog role to scrutinize party shenanigans for transparency.

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Section 88 caps campaign spending with brutal penalties for fat cats who overspend.”

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“Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse, and non-compliance may lead to consequences.”

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To those he described as “professional politicians,” he cautioned: “It’s always better to be professional in politics than a professional politician. Ensure you’re in the right caucus… ask yourself if you’re truly among the First Eleven.”

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