The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective positions to resign their appointments on or before Friday.
The directive was issued as part of efforts to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability within the state’s political process ahead of upcoming elections. It affects a broad category of officeholders, including commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, and other aides occupying political roles within the executive arm of government.
According to the government, the decision is aimed at preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring that public office is not used as an unfair advantage in the pursuit of elective positions. By stepping down, affected officials are expected to focus fully on their political ambitions without the influence or resources of government offices.
Officials familiar with the directive indicated that the move aligns with constitutional provisions and established electoral practices that require public officeholders to vacate their positions before seeking election into another office. It also reinforces internal discipline within the administration, ensuring that governance activities are not disrupted by political campaigns.
Sources within the state government noted that compliance with the order would be closely monitored, and any appointee who fails to adhere to the deadline risks immediate removal from office. The administration emphasized that the directive is not punitive but necessary to uphold democratic standards and institutional integrity.
The development has triggered reactions within political circles in the state, as several appointees are believed to be preparing to contest various positions, including legislative seats and local government offices. Some stakeholders have commended the move as a step toward strengthening democratic ethics, while others view it as a strategic measure that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the elections.
Meanwhile, governance activities are expected to continue without interruption, with provisions in place to fill any vacancies that may arise following the resignations. The government reassured residents that service delivery and ongoing projects would not be affected.
The directive marks a significant moment in the state’s pre-election preparations, signaling the administration’s intention to maintain a clear boundary between governance and political ambition as the electoral cycle approaches.