Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali Resigns Ahead of 2027 Governorship Ambition

Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali Resigns Ahead of 2027 Governorship Ambition

The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has resigned from the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in compliance with a federal directive requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down.

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The State House media office confirmed the resignation on Tuesday evening, just hours before the March 31, 2026 deadline set by the President.

Alkali, who is from Gombe State, reportedly announced his decision after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa. He is expected to contest the Gombe State governorship election in 2027, aiming to succeed incumbent Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure ends in May 2027.

The resignation follows a directive issued on March 17, 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The circular, also signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Kana, cited Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political office holders to vacate their positions before participating in party primaries.

The provision is aimed at preventing the use of public office and state resources to gain undue advantage during the electoral process. It applies to ministers, advisers, assistants, and heads of government agencies.

According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with deadlines set for submission of candidates’ names ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Alkali becomes one of the cabinet members to step down in line with the directive as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum.

Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali Resigns Ahead of 2027 Governorship Ambition