In compliance with the presidential directive to political appointees nursing political ambition ahead of 2027 elections, Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has directed all members of the State Executive Council and political appointees with ambitions to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 26, 2026.
The directive, announced in a press release dated March 18, 2026, was issued during a State Executive Council meeting held in Calabar, the state capital.
According to the Governor, the move is aimed at ensuring clarity of purpose, ethical governance, and uninterrupted service delivery, as the state approaches a politically sensitive period ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Any member of this Council who harbours political ambitions for the 2027 elections must, in the interest of propriety and focus, tender his or her resignation on or before March 2026,” Otu declared.
He stressed that public office must not be conflated with personal political pursuits, describing governance as a sacred trust that demands full commitment and undivided attention.
“Public office is a sacred trust. It must not be conflated with personal political pursuits. We owe our people undivided attention, and this administration will not compromise on that principle,” the Governor stated.
Governor Otu further underscored the need for disciplined and distraction-free governance, noting that early political activities could derail the administration’s mandate.
“Our mandate at this critical time is to serve diligently, to deliver on our promises, and to ensure that governance is not encumbered by premature political engagements.
“We must remain resolute in our duty to the people who entrusted us with this responsibility,” he added.
The directive is expected to trigger political realignments within the state, as appointees with electoral ambitions weigh their options ahead of the resignation deadline.
Political observers say the move aligns with broader efforts to separate governance from partisan politics as the 2027 electoral cycle gradually gathers momentum across Nigeria.
