Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, has resigned from office, joining a growing list of cabinet members stepping down in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alkali’s resignation, which took effect today, comes as political appointees seeking elective positions bow to the March 31 deadline mandated by President Bola Tinubu.
His exit adds to the wave of high-profile resignations that has swept through the Executive Council of the Federation in recent days, intensifying political activity and speculation across the country.
Earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, both stepped down to pursue elective offices in the 2027 polls.
Tuggar is seeking the governorship of Bauchi State, while Sununu has declared interest in the Kebbi State senatorial race.
The resignations follow a directive anchored on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires all political appointees to vacate their positions before participating in party primaries.
The circular conveying the directive was issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Under the schedule, party primaries are expected to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with submission deadlines for candidates set for July and August.
Sources told AIT.live that Alkali is positioning to contest the Gombe State governorship, although official confirmation of his political ambition is still awaited.
Meanwhile, several other ministers and senior government officials are reportedly weighing their options, with some said to be reconsidering their ambitions amid shifting political alliances.
The wave of resignation is expected to trigger a major cabinet reshuffle in the coming weeks as the administration prepares to fill the resulting vacancies.
The developments signal the early build-up to the 2027 elections, with key players already making strategic moves across the political landscape.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
