Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, has officially resigned from his position. This significant development was confirmed on Tuesday by his media aide, Umar Alkali Jibril, and comes as a direct consequence of a presidential directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The directive mandates all political appointees who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to step down from their current roles.

Minister Alkali’s resignation paves the way for him to pursue his ambition of contesting the governorship election in Gombe State. According to the statements from his media aide, he formally tendered his resignation to the Presidency in compliance with the aforementioned directive. The presidential mandate, which stipulates that cabinet members and other political appointees seeking elective positions must vacate their posts on or before March 31, 2026, is reinforced by the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and aligns with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.

In his resignation letter, Alkali conveyed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity he was given to serve the nation. He also reflected on what he described as key milestones and significant progress achieved within the transportation sector during his tenure. Expressing a sense of fulfillment and renewed determination, Alkali stated, “I am deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the privilege to serve our great nation. As I step down, I do so with a sense of fulfilment over the progress recorded in the transportation sector, and with renewed determination to continue serving the people in a greater capacity.”

The Presidency has formally accepted Minister Alkali’s resignation and has commended him for his dedicated service and contributions to national development. A circular confirming these developments was reportedly signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.

Alkali, who previously served as a senator representing Gombe North, is now the third member of the Federal Executive Council to resign in adherence to this presidential directive. Notably, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also resigned earlier with intentions to contest the governorship election in Bauchi State, highlighting a broader compliance trend within the cabinet as political figures prepare for the 2027 elections.