The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned political appointees serving under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that they cannot remain politically neutral ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that anyone unwilling to support the party’s political agenda should step aside.
The party’s position comes as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections, with several presidential appointees already weighing their political futures following earlier directives requiring appointees seeking elective office to resign before participating in party primaries.
‘You Can’t Serve Government and Stay Neutral’
According to APC leaders, political appointees occupy positions of trust within the administration and are expected to support the government’s programmes and the party’s political objectives.
The party maintained that those unwilling to work for President Tinubu’s re-election and the APC’s success in 2027 should voluntarily resign their appointments rather than remain in government while distancing themselves from the party’s activities.
Preparations for 2027 Intensify
The warning comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier this year, President Tinubu directed political appointees intending to contest elective offices to resign in line with the Electoral Act and the timetable for party primaries issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The directive affected ministers, special advisers, directors-general, chief executive officers of government agencies and other presidential appointees seeking elective positions.
Party Seeks Loyalty
The APC stressed that political appointees are expected to demonstrate loyalty to both the administration and the ruling party, particularly as campaigns for the next election cycle gather momentum.
Party officials argued that remaining in government while refusing to support the APC’s electoral ambitions would amount to a conflict of interest.