Nasir Bala Aminu, widely known as Ja’oji, has formally resigned from his position as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His resignation follows a presidential directive requiring all political appointees who intend to contest elective positions to step down from their federal appointments on or before March 31, 2026. This order is issued in line with Nigeria’s Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable for party primaries and candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 polls.
Why the March 31 Deadline Matters
Under electoral law, political appointees who plan to participate in party primaries or run for public office must resign their appointed posts before participating in the electoral process. The March 31 deadline aligns with the INEC’s timetable for conducting party primaries and submitting candidates’ names ahead of the elections to ensure compliance and a level playing field.
This requirement helps prevent misuse of government resources by serving appointees during campaigns and upholds transparency and fairness in the political process — principles enshrined in Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
A Quote from Ja’oji’s Resignation Letter
In his letter of resignation, Ja’oji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, noting that the experience was “a clear testament to your confidence in the leadership abilities of Nigeria’s youth and your commitment to empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Though he did not explicitly name the seat he plans to contest in his letter, credible information suggests that Ja’oji is eyeing the Tarauni Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives for the 2027 elections.
Looking Ahead
In his letter, Ja’oji also reaffirmed his loyalty to the president and stated his readiness to continue serving the country in any capacity if called upon in the future. He commended the administration’s “Renewed Hope Initiative” as a driving force behind policies designed to promote national development.
His resignation is widely seen as a clear signal of his political ambition, reflecting the broader shift among political appointees preparing for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections
