Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan, has officially resigned as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, citing his intention to contest in the 2027 general elections.
Olaniyan’s resignation follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mandating all political appointees with ambitions to participate in the 2027 elections to step down from their positions before March 31, 2026. The directive is aimed at ensuring fairness and preventing conflicts of interest in the lead-up to the next general elections.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday, Olaniyan formally communicated his decision to resign, explaining that the step was necessary to comply with the presidential directive and to focus on his political campaign.
“I wish to formally submit my resignation as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, in line with my decision to pursue my political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Olaniyan wrote in the letter.
The development is part of a broader wave of resignations expected among political appointees preparing for the 2027 electoral contest. Notable figures anticipated to resign in the coming days include the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and Adebayo Shittu, who currently serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, as they gear up for gubernatorial campaigns.
Political analysts say the resignations reflect the Federal Government’s efforts to maintain a level playing field by ensuring that public office holders who intend to contest elections do not have undue influence over governmental or institutional resources.
Olaniyan’s resignation is also expected to allow the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, to appoint a new chairman who can dedicate attention to institutional governance and development without being distracted by political campaigns.
The former deputy governor, who served in Oyo State under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, has indicated that his next steps will focus on mobilising support for his political ambitions while engaging with stakeholders across the state.
Observers believe Olaniyan’s resignation may also signal the beginning of increased political activities among former political officeholders, as they position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts expect further resignations and campaign announcements in the coming weeks, as political aspirants comply with the presidential directive.
The Federal Government’s directive and subsequent resignations underscore the emphasis on separating official duties from political campaigns, reinforcing principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
With the election season gradually approaching, political watchers are keenly monitoring the moves of key figures like Olaniyan, Adelabu, and Shittu, assessing how their resignations and campaign activities will reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.
