Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, has resigned from office in compliance with a presidential directive requiring political appointees seeking elective positions to step down.
His exit was confirmed in a statement issued by his media aide, paving the way for his governorship ambition in Gombe State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
In his resignation letter, Alkali expressed gratitude to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, highlighting what he described as notable achievements in the transportation sector during his tenure.
“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,” he said.
The presidency has accepted his resignation and commended his service, according to the statement.
Alkali’s departure signals the beginning of what is expected to be a keenly contested governorship race in Gombe, as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the elections.
His resignation follows a similar move by Yusuf Tuggar, who also stepped down to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State, reinforcing a growing trend among cabinet members eyeing elective offices.
