Minister Said Alkali Resigns to Contest Gombe Governorship

On March 31, 2026, Said Alkali, the Minister of Transportation under President Bola Tinubu, tendered his resignation during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This decision comes as he aims to contest for the governorship seat of Gombe State in the 2027 general elections, seeking to succeed the incumbent governor, Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure ends in May 2027.

Alkali's resignation is in compliance with the directive from the Office of the President, which mandates political appointees to vacate their positions ahead of elections, as outlined in Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. This act aims to ensure a level playing field and prevent public office holders from having electoral advantages.

Alkali is the third cabinet member to resign for electoral ambitions, following the resignations of Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, who are pursuing positions in Bauchi and Kebbi States, respectively.