Kano Govt Directs Political Appointees Seeking Elective Offices to Resign

The Kano State Government has directed all political office holders intending to contest in the 2026 general elections to resign from their positions in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The directive was issued in a circular dated 24th March 2026 from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, addressed to top government officials across the state.

Those affected include the Chief of Staff, Head of Civil Service, Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Chief Registrars of the High Court and Sharia Court of Appeal, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors-General, Executive Secretaries, Managing Directors, and other senior aides.

According to the circular, the decision is in compliance with existing regulations governing the conduct of public officers, particularly Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which regulates the participation of public officials in partisan political activities.

The government stated that the measure is intended to uphold neutrality, accountability, and integrity within the public service.

“All public officers who are interested in contesting in the forthcoming general elections are requested to resign or retire as the case may be on or before Tuesday, 31st March 2026,” the circular stated.

The government also called for the widest possible dissemination of the directive.