The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed all political appointees in the state who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was contained in an official statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, who said the order was in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of party primaries ahead of the next electoral cycle.
According to the statement, the directive applies to all categories of political office holders appointed by the state government who wish to participate in party primaries or seek nomination for elective positions in the forthcoming elections.
Those affected include Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors-General, Executive Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants to the Governor, and other political aides serving in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state government.
The government emphasised that the measure is intended to ensure strict compliance with electoral regulations guiding public office holders who intend to contest elective offices. It noted that such officials are required by law to vacate their positions ahead of the nomination process in order to avoid conflicts of interest and guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants.
“The resignation requirement applies to all categories of political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office,” the statement read.
It further instructed that all affected officials must submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government on or before the stipulated deadline of March 31, 2026.
In addition, the government directed that the affected appointees must properly hand over their official responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior career officer within their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure continuity in governance and service delivery.
Political analysts say the directive signals the early build-up to the 2027 political contests in the state, which are expected to generate intense competition across party lines. With the electoral timetable already guiding preparatory activities for party primaries, several political figures across the country are beginning to position themselves for various elective positions.
Observers note that the decision by the Delta State Government reflects growing adherence to electoral guidelines and democratic norms that regulate the conduct of public officials seeking elective offices. By insisting on early resignation, the administration aims to prevent the use of government resources and official privileges to gain undue political advantage.
The move is also seen as a proactive step to ensure that governance activities within the state are not disrupted by political campaigns or personal ambitions of serving appointees.
Political stakeholders in the state have described the directive as a necessary step to strengthen transparency and accountability within the political process. According to them, enforcing resignation before participation in party primaries helps maintain fairness and credibility in the electoral system.
The development comes at a time when political activities are gradually gathering momentum nationwide as parties prepare for the next round of elections scheduled for 2027.
In recent months, discussions around succession politics and potential candidates for various elective offices have intensified across several states, including Delta. While many aspirants have yet to formally declare their intentions, political consultations and strategic alignments are already underway within party structures.
Analysts believe that the governor’s directive will likely trigger a wave of resignations in the coming days as appointees with political ambitions move to comply with the order and formally join the race for elective offices.
Despite the impending political activities, the Delta State Government reiterated its commitment to sustaining governance and development initiatives across the state.
The administration of Governor Oborevwori has repeatedly stressed that its focus remains on implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving infrastructure, economic opportunities and social welfare for residents of the state.
Officials also assured that the transition process resulting from the expected resignations would be handled smoothly to prevent disruptions in government operations.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, attention is expected to shift to which political appointees will step down to pursue their ambitions in the 2027 elections, a development that could reshape the political landscape in Delta State in the months ahead.
