Saidu Alkali Resigns As Transportation Minister To Pursue Gombe Governorship Bid

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has stepped down from his position in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His resignation, confirmed on Tuesday by the State House, comes in compliance with a federal directive mandating political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their offices before participating in party primaries. The directive aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 aimed at ensuring a level playing field and preventing the misuse of public office during the electoral process.

Alkali, a former senator representing Gombe Central, is expected to contest the governorship election in Gombe State, with the goal of succeeding incumbent Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure concludes in May 2027.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled party primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with deadlines for candidate submissions set for July and August for various categories of elections.

Alkali’s exit makes him one of several cabinet members to resign in recent days, reflecting growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls.