Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali Resigns for Gombe Race

Saidu Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, has officially resigned from his position to pursue the Gombe State governorship in the upcoming 2027 general elections. His resignation was announced by the State House Media Office on Tuesday evening, just hours before the March 31, 2026 deadline set by President Bola Tinubu for political appointees seeking elective office to step down.

Alkali's decision follows a directive issued by the President's office on March 17, 2026, which mandated that political appointees, including ministers and special advisers, resign to participate in party primaries. This directive aims to prevent the misuse of public office and state resources during the electoral process.

Alkali is expected to contest against the incumbent governor, Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure ends in May 2027. He is the third cabinet member to resign, following the departures of Yusuf Tuggar and Yusuf Sununu, who are contesting for governorship and senatorial seats, respectively.