Gombe governorship: Tinubu meets Transportation Minister after resignation

By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, at the State House shortly after he resigned to pursue elective offices ahead of 2027 general elections.

President Tinubu, through a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume had directed ministers with political ambitions to resign on or before Tuesday, March 31.

Alkali’s media aide, Umar Jubril, had in an earlier statement said his principal resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to pursue his gubernatorial ambition in Gombe State ahead of the forthcoming 2027 elections in accordance with the directive

The Minister resigned to contest for Gombe State governorship post in the 2027 elections.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday in Gombe, Alkali confirmed that his resignation followed a Presidential directive requiring political appointees seeking elective offices to resign their positions, in accordance with extant law.

He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve, citing significant progress made in the transportation sector during his tenure.

President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked the minister for his dedicated service to the nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

It was gathered that Tinubu/s the closed-door meeting with Alkali was “linked to his resignation and next political move in Gombe State.”

Alkali joins a growing list of former cabinet members, including Amb. Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi) and Yusuf Sununu (Kebbi), both former federal ministers.

In a related development, Tinubu also met with former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, at Presidential Villa.

The meeting marked Badaru’s first visit since leaving office though details were not disclosed.

Discussions may have centred on evolving political dynamics in Jigawa ahead of 2027 elections.

The visit also appeared to dispel speculation about Badaru’s alleged plans to defect from APC.

Badaru, a two-term former governor of Jigawa, resigned from Federal Executive Council in December 2025 after serving in cabinet.

Also received by President was former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, as part of ongoing political consultations.

The series of meetings underscores need for national cohesion and political realignments ahead of 2027 general elections. (NAN)