GOMBE 2027:Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali resigns to pursue governorship ambition

Minister of Transportation Saidu Ahmed Alkali has resigned his appointment to contest the Gombe State governorship election, following a presidential directive for all political appointees seeking elective office to step down by March 31, 2026.

The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, has officially resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his ambition of contesting the forthcoming governorship election in Gombe State. The resignation was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by his media aide, Umar Alkali Jibril, who noted that the decision was in strict compliance with a recent presidential directive. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier mandated that all political appointees seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections must vacate their positions on or before the March 31 deadline to ensure a level playing field and uphold the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

In his formal resignation letter, Alkali expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to oversee the nation’s transportation ministry, citing significant milestones achieved during his tenure. “In his resignation letter, he expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, noting the progress recorded in the transportation sector during his tenure,” the statement read. The outgoing minister, who previously represented Gombe North in the Senate, is widely expected to be a major contender for the Gombe State Government House as the political transition in the state gains momentum ahead of the party primaries.

President Tinubu has reportedly accepted the resignation, commending the former minister for his dedicated service and contributions to the administration’s infrastructure agenda. The President’s directive, which affected several categories of appointees including ministers and special advisers, is aimed at preventing the use of state resources for personal political gain and ensuring administrative continuity. With Alkali’s exit, the Ministry of Transportation is expected to be overseen by a Minister of State or a permanent secretary pending a new appointment by the Presidency, as the focus shifts toward the unfolding 2027 electoral cycle.

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