Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, has officially resigned from his post. The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday by his media aide, Umar Alkali Jibril.

His resignation follows a presidential directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring all political appointees who wish to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to step down.

Alkali’s decision clears the path for him to pursue his ambition of contesting the Gombe State governorship election.

He formally submitted his resignation to the Presidency in compliance with the directive, which mandates that cabinet members and other political appointees vacate their positions on or before March 31, 2026, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.

In his resignation letter, Alkali expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

He reflected on key milestones in the transportation sector, stating: “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 Alkali’s resignation, commending his dedicated service. A circular confirming these developments was 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, becomes the third Federal Executive Council member to resign under this directive. Earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also stepped down to contest the Bauchi State governorship, reflecting a broader trend of cabinet compliance as political figures prepare for the 2027 elections.