By Cross Udo, Abuja
Political appointees and civil servants who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections have been urged to study the provisions of Nigeria’s new Electoral Act and seek legal guidance on resignation requirements, or risk disqualification.
The caution was issued by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development Experts in Nigeria (INCOS-DE), Kunle Yusuff.
Yusuff stressed that ignorance of the law would not serve as a defence for public officers seeking elective positions, advising those affected to comply with the law’s resignation provisions promptly.
In a public advisory, he stated, “Attention political appointees and civil servants considering contesting the 2027 election: familiarise yourselves with the new electoral law or consult a legal expert to ensure compliance.”
He added, “Specifically, understand the requirements for resignation or submitting a resignation letter. Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse, and non-compliance may lead to consequences.”
According to him, the warning became necessary as preparations toward the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, noting that similar legal oversights have led to the disqualification of candidates in previous electoral cycles.
Yusuff explained that the advisory aligns with Section 66(1)(f) and other related provisions of the Constitution, as amended by the Electoral Act 2022, which require public officers seeking elective office to resign from their positions at least 30 days before the date of election.
He noted that the new electoral law, signed by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, 2026, introduced sweeping reforms affecting federal, state and area council elections.
Among the major changes, he said, are Sections 84 to 88, which regulate political party nomination processes and campaign spending.
According to him, Section 84 abolishes indirect delegate primaries and allows only direct primaries or consensus arrangements, while Section 85 mandates that political parties notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before primaries.
He added that Section 86 empowers INEC to monitor party activities during primaries to ensure transparency, while Section 88 imposes spending limits on campaign financing with penalties for violations.
Yusuff warned political actors against complacency, saying compliance with the law is critical for anyone aspiring to contest elections.
He said, “It is always better to be professional in politics than to be a professional politician. Ensure you are in the right caucus and ask yourself whether you are truly among the ‘First Eleven.”
