PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS AND ELECTIONS (PROHIBITION) ACT
Act · Security
An Act prohibits certain public officials, including civil servants, military officers, and judicial personnel, from participating in partisan politics or elections. It targets these officials to maintain their neutrality and professionalism. This strengthens the integrity of public institutions.
PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS AND ELECTIONS (PROHIBITION) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act prohibiting specified categories of persons — including serving civil servants, military officers, and judicial officers — from participating in partisan politics or contesting elections while holding their public positions.
Who Does It Target?
Federal civil servants and public officers Military and police officers Judicial officers INEC and enforcement agencies
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure the political neutrality and professionalism of the public service, military, and judiciary by prohibiting active partisan engagement by persons in these categories.
Key Features
Participation Prohibition: Prohibits specified officers from attending political rallies, contributing to campaigns, or contesting elections. Resignation Requirement: Officers seeking to contest elections must first resign their positions. Enforcement: Violations attract disciplinary and criminal consequences. Protected Categories: Some categories of workers are exempt — e.g., members of certain professional groups.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Federal public officers, military, and judicial officers Beneficiaries: Political neutrality of public service; democratic governance Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Public officers: review the Act before any political activity Resignation must be submitted before running for office Report violations to the PSC, military authorities, or NJC as appropriate Application method: Not applicable.
Important Terms
Violation may result in dismissal from service in addition to criminal prosecution The prohibition applies to partisan activity — civil society engagement is different Former public officers who resign to contest may return to public service if they lose elections under specific conditions
Official Resources
Website: https://www.publicservice.gov.ng Contact: Federal Civil Service Commission / Military authorities
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Electoral Act 2022, the 1999 Constitution Section 9 (public officers), the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 LFN 2004, the Public Service Rules, and the National Security Agencies Act.