2027: Tinubu’s Aide Ja’oje Resigns to Contest Elective Office

Move follows presidential directive for appointees eyeing political positions to step down

By Rejoice Peterside

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Nasir Ja’oje, has resigned his appointment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ja’oje’s resignation is in compliance with a directive issued by the President mandating all political appointees interested in contesting elective positions to step down on or before March 31, 2026.

The development was disclosed in a statement by his media aide, Abba Anwar, who confirmed that the decision was taken to enable Ja’oje pursue his political ambition.

According to the statement, the presidential directive affects ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, and other officials appointed by the President.

In his resignation letter, Ja’oje expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion and leadership development.

He noted that the trust reposed in him by the President served as a source of motivation, adding that he remains willing to serve the country in any capacity if called upon in the future.

Ja’oje also commended the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that its policies and programmes are designed to positively impact Nigerians across different sectors.

The statement further indicated that his decision to contest follows growing support and encouragement from his constituents, who have expressed confidence in his leadership and pledged backing for his political aspirations.

With his resignation, Ja’oje becomes one of the early appointees to heed the President’s directive, a move widely seen as part of efforts to ensure a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.