April 01, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has resigned from the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu, signaling his entry into the 2027 governorship race in Gombe State.
The State House confirmed the resignation on Tuesday evening, noting that Alkali stepped down just hours before the March 31, 2026 deadline set by President Tinubu for all political appointees seeking elective offices to vacate their positions.
Alkali, a former senator representing Gombe North, formally announced his decision after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
His resignation clears the path for his anticipated bid to succeed incumbent Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure ends in May 2027.
Governor Yahaya, elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will complete his constitutionally permitted two terms, opening up the political space for a new leadership contest in the state.
Alkali’s exit is in line with a directive issued on March 17, 2026, by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), mandating all political appointees with electoral ambitions to resign on or before March 31.
The directive, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and conveyed through the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, is rooted in Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
The provision requires ministers, advisers, and heads of government agencies to step down before participating in party primaries or accepting nominations for elective positions, a measure designed to prevent the misuse of public office and ensure a level playing field.
The directive affects a wide range of political appointees, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, and chief executives of federal agencies and parastatals.
According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), party primaries for the 2027 general elections will be held between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Submission of candidates’ names is expected to close on July 11 for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly candidates have until August 8.
Alkali becomes the third cabinet member to resign in compliance with the President’s directive, a development widely viewed as a positive step toward strengthening democratic norms, deepening accountability, and ensuring a credible and fair electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
