Transport minister Alkali resigns to pursue governorship ambition
The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council as he prepares to contest the Gombe State governorship election in 2027.
His resignation was confirmed on Tuesday by the State House media office, just hours before the deadline set by President Bola Tinubu for political appointees seeking elective offices to step down.
Alkali reportedly tendered his resignation after a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The former minister, who hails from Gombe State, is expected to join the race to succeed Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure ends in May 2027.
His decision follows a directive issued on March 17 by the presidency, mandating all political appointees with political ambitions to resign on or before March 31, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
The directive, communicated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was aimed at ensuring a level playing field and preventing the use of public office for political advantage.
Under the law, ministers and other appointees must vacate their positions before participating in party primaries or seeking nomination for elective offices.
Alkali’s exit makes him one of several cabinet members who have stepped down in compliance with the directive, as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
