Transport Minister Alkali Resigns, Joins Gombe Gov Race

The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, resigned from the cabinet of Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja as he prepares to contest the Gombe State governorship election in 2027. His resignation was confirmed by the State House shortly after he met with the President at the Presidential Villa.

The decision came just before the deadline set for political appointees who intend to run for elective offices to step down. The directive requires all affected officials to leave their positions before participating in party primaries, in line with the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the electoral body.

Alkali, who is from Gombe State, is expected to join the race to succeed Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure will end in May 2027. The governor was first elected in 2019 and returned to office in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress.

The order for resignations was issued earlier in March through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, led by George Akume. It applies to ministers, advisers, and heads of government agencies seeking elective positions, to prevent the use of public office for political advantage.

Under the election schedule, party primaries are expected to take place between late April and the end of May 2026, while submission of candidates’ names will follow later in the year.

Alkali becomes one of several cabinet members who have stepped down in compliance with the directive. Other ministers have also resigned to pursue political ambitions in different states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Before joining the Federal Executive Council, Alkali served as a senator representing Gombe Central, building his political career in the National Assembly before his ministerial appointment.