News reports that the policy was outlined in a new circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The directive was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, Dr Binyerem Ukaira, on behalf of the Head of Service, Didi Walson-Jack.

The measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen discipline, efficiency, and productivity within the public service.

Under the new arrangement, success in the confirmation or promotion examination will no longer be limited to career advancement alone but will also determine continued employment. Any officer who fails the exam three times in a row will be asked to exit the service.

The directive further states that workers who fail to sit for the confirmation examination within three years of appointment will also be removed from service.

According to the government, the policy is backed by existing Public Service Rules and applies across all ministries, departments, and agencies, which have been instructed to ensure strict compliance.

The 2026 Confirmation and Promotion Examination (COMPRO) will be conducted as a computer-based test and will cover officers on salary Grade Levels 01 to 06.

Authorities explained that the exam is designed to assess the competence, knowledge, and readiness of employees before confirmation or promotion.

Registration for the examination has commenced online, with eligible candidates expected to apply through their respective MDAs. Only officers who have served for at least six months and are duly nominated will be allowed to participate.

Applicants are required to provide accurate personal details and complete all registration procedures, as failure to meet accreditation requirements will result in disqualification.

The examination will cover subjects including English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper, and Computer Literacy.

The COMPRO test has long been part of Nigeria’s civil service framework, although enforcement of its provisions has historically been inconsistent.

News reports that Shuaib announced the decision in Lafia after a series of consultations with his supporters and political stakeholders across the state.

He said his withdrawal followed extensive deliberations and was guided by his earlier commitment to align with the choice of Governor Abdullahi Sule. According to him, stepping down was a difficult decision, but he chose to honour his word by backing the governor’s preferred candidate.

Shuaib explained that aspirants from the western senatorial zone had initially agreed to either unite behind a single candidate or accept the governor’s decision if consensus could not be reached. He noted that since they were unable to agree, they resolved to follow the governor’s direction.

While acknowledging that the outcome was not ideal for all parties involved, he said he prioritised keeping his promise over personal ambition.

He also expressed appreciation for the loyalty and sacrifices of his supporters, describing the period leading to his withdrawal as one of the most challenging moments in his political career.

Shuaib appealed to his supporters to remain united and throw their weight behind the party’s candidate in the forthcoming election.

He further pledged his support for Senator Wadada and called for cohesion within the party as preparations for the election intensify.

He added that his exit from the race does not signal a withdrawal from public service, stressing his continued commitment to the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.

News had earlier reported that Obi, alongside some South-East leaders, visited Jonathan at his residence on Monday.

Speaking to Punch, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, said the visit was aimed at seeking support for Obi’s presidential ambition.

He explained that the delegation visited national leaders to appeal for backing, stressing that many Nigerian youths consider Obi their preferred candidate.

According to him, the consultations were also intended to promote national unity and ensure inclusiveness, particularly by addressing long-standing concerns about political representation from the South-East since after the Civil War.

Tanko added that engaging Jonathan was a strategic step, noting Obi’s past relationship and contributions during Jonathan’s presidency, and expressed confidence that his support would significantly strengthen Obi’s political prospects.

He further stated that the consultations were part of a wider outreach that has already included engagements with prominent northern figures such as Prof. Ango Abdullahi, aimed at building broad national consensus.

Describing the initiative as a noble one, Tanko said it was important to seek the backing of respected former leaders like Jonathan, whom he described as humble and influential.

He also noted that similar consultations had been extended to other national figures as part of Obi’s political outreach.

When asked whether the visit was part of broader efforts to position Obi as a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, Tanko affirmed that continuous consultation remains essential in politics.

Similarly, Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, confirmed that the visit was part of ongoing engagements with former national leaders.

Umar quoted Obi as saying that it was necessary to consult experienced leaders like Jonathan, whom he described as having served the country faithfully and contributed meaningfully to democratic governance.

He added that Obi had also previously met former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida as part of his nationwide consultations.