The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, has resigned from his position to pursue his political ambition of contesting the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.
Alkali’s resignation was confirmed in Abuja on Tuesday by sources within the Federal Ministry of Transportation, who said the move was in line with political conventions and the need to focus fully on his gubernatorial aspiration.
A member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alkali is seeking to succeed the incumbent Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose tenure is expected to end in 2027.
Political observers say Alkali’s entry into the race may reshape the political landscape in the North-East state, given his longstanding involvement in public service and party politics.
Before his resignation, Alkali supervised key transportation projects, including railway modernisation and road infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity across the country.
In a brief remark, a senior government official noted that Alkali had formally communicated his decision to step down in order to comply with political and ethical standards guiding public office holders seeking elective positions.
“He has shown respect for democratic principles by stepping aside to pursue his ambition without conflict of interest,” the source said.
Party stakeholders in Gombe have begun consultations ahead of the primaries, with analysts predicting a keenly contested race among aspirants within the APC.
Meanwhile, efforts to get official confirmation from the Presidency were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
