Governor Dauda Lawal has taken a firm step to enforce political accountability in Zamfara, directing all members of the State Executive Council with ambitions for the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions.
The move is seen as part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with electoral regulations while maintaining focus on governance.
The directive was announced during the 64th Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Gusau.
At the meeting, which brought together top government officials, key issues affecting development in Zamfara were also discussed.
However, the governor’s instruction regarding resignation timelines quickly became the central highlight.
According to an official statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the decision is rooted in the provisions of the Electoral Act as well as the election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
These guidelines require public office holders seeking elective positions to vacate their current roles within a specified period before elections.
Governor Lawal made it clear that all affected political appointees must step down on or before March 31, 2026.
This deadline, he stressed, is non-negotiable and applies across board.
By setting a clear timeline, the administration aims to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure that governance activities in Zamfara are not disrupted by political campaigns.
To ensure full compliance, the governor directed the Secretary to the State Government to issue a formal circular to all political appointees.
The notice will serve as an official reminder of the resignation requirement and the deadline attached to it.
In addition, the Head of Service has been instructed to communicate similar directives to civil servants who may be nursing political ambitions.
This dual approach ensures that both appointed officials and career civil servants in Zamfara are held to the same standard.
It also reinforces the principle that public service should not be used as a platform for political advantage without due process.
Observers note that the governor’s decision reflects a growing emphasis on transparency and adherence to legal frameworks in Nigerian politics.
By insisting on early resignation, the administration is attempting to create a level playing field for all aspirants while also safeguarding the integrity of government institutions.
During his remarks at the meeting, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering meaningful development across Zamfara.
He emphasized that governance must remain uninterrupted and that public officials should prioritize their responsibilities over personal political ambitions.
The directive may also have wider political implications, as it could trigger a wave of resignations within the state cabinet in the coming weeks.
This, in turn, may lead to a reshuffle or the appointment of new officials to fill the vacant positions, ensuring continuity in governance.
For many residents, the move is a welcome development, as it signals a clear separation between governance and politics.
Analysts believe that such measures can help improve public trust and promote a more structured political process, especially as the 2027 elections gradually approach.
Ultimately, the governor’s action underscores a key message: adherence to the law is not optional.
By enforcing these rules early, the administration hopes to set a standard that prioritizes fairness, accountability, and effective leadership in Zamfara.
Ireport247news
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