The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has resigned from the cupboard of President Bola Tinubu, simply hours earlier than the March 31, 2026 deadline for political appointees looking for elective workplaces to step down, Politics Nigeria has learnt.
The State Home disclosed on Tuesday night that Alkali tendered his resignation after a gathering with the President on the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Alkali, who hails from Gombe State, is anticipated to contest the state’s governorship seat within the 2027 common elections, aiming to succeed incumbent Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure ends in Might 2027.
His resignation aligns with a directive issued by the presidency by means of the Workplace of the Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation, George Akume, mandating all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their positions on or earlier than March 31, 2026.
The directive, backed by Part 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable launched by the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC), is geared toward making certain a stage taking part in area by stopping the usage of public workplace for electoral benefit.
INEC has scheduled celebration primaries between April 23 and Might 30, 2026, with deadlines set for the submission of candidates’ names for varied elections.
Alkali turns into the third cupboard member to step down in compliance with the directive. Earlier, the Minister of International Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, additionally resigned to pursue elective positions in Bauchi and Kebbi states, respectively.
Earlier than his appointment as minister, Alkali represented the Gombe Central Senatorial District within the Nationwide Meeting.