Transport minister Alkali joins growing list of Tinubu’s ministers exiting cabinet for 2027 races

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Mr Sa’aidu Alkali, has stepped down from the cabinet of Bola Tinubu to pursue the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections. His exit adds to a widening wave of resignations by top officials positioning for elective offices.

Alkali, who was appointed minister in August 2023, previously represented Gombe North in the Senate. His resignation raises the number of ministers who have left the administration for political ambitions to three, reflecting mounting realignments within the ruling party as the election cycle gathers pace.

He is seeking to succeed incumbent governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure ends in May 2027 after completing two terms. Yahaya, first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, also chairs the Northern Governors’ Forum.

Economy Post learnt that Alkali has formally submitted his resignation through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the channel designated for all political appointees complying with the directive.

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His move follows a broader compliance trend triggered by the president’s order mandating appointees with political ambitions to vacate office. Among those who have also resigned are Yusuf Tuggar and Yusuf Sununu. Tuggar is preparing a governorship bid in Bauchi State, where the current governor Bala Mohammed is set to leave office in 2027 after two terms. Sununu, on his part, is aiming for the Kebbi South senatorial seat, having previously served in the House of Representatives.

Beyond the cabinet, other political appointees have also exited their roles. A former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Mr Ahmed Aminu, and a member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, Mr Abdulrasaq Namdas, are both preparing to contest the APC governorship primaries in Adamawa State. Namdas, a former two-term lawmaker for Ganye/Jada/Toungo federal constituency, had earlier stepped down during the 2023 APC governorship race in support of Aisha Binani. Aminu is entering the race with extensive public sector experience and is said to have the backing of key political figures, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The spate of resignations stems from President Tinubu’s directive requiring all political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 to resign on or before March 31, 2026. The order, conveyed in a circular signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.

The directive covers a broad category of officials, including ministers, advisers, assistants, and heads of government agencies and parastatals. Affected individuals were instructed to submit their resignation letters through the SGF’s office within the stipulated deadline.

Tinubu said the measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency, and guaranteeing a level-playing field for all aspirants. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic processes and safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s elections as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.