Transport Minister Resigns for Governorship Bid as Adelabu Shelves Oyo Ambition
In a significant political development, Minister of Transportation Senator Saidu Alkali has resigned from President Bola Tinubu's cabinet to pursue his governorship ambition in Gombe State, while Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has shelved his Oyo State governorship bid after failing to meet the resignation deadline. This follows a presidential directive requiring political appointees with elective aspirations to vacate their positions by March 31, 2026, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
Alkali Steps Down for Gombe Governorship Race
Senator Saidu Alkali submitted his resignation letter on the deadline day, becoming the only confirmed resignation among political appointees. His decision aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates that ministers, advisers, and agency heads resign before participating in party primaries to prevent unfair electoral advantages. In his letter to President Tinubu, Alkali expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted progress in the transportation sector during his tenure. The President has accepted the resignation and commended Alkali's service.
Alkali, who previously represented Gombe Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, aims to succeed incumbent Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose term ends in May 2027. Governor Yahaya, elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), will not be seeking another term. Alkali's resignation follows earlier departures by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Yusuf Sununu, who also resigned to pursue political ambitions.
Adelabu Abandons Oyo Governorship Ambition
Contrary to expectations, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has discarded his ambition to contest the Oyo State governorship election. Despite earlier declarations of interest and consultations over the past year, Adelabu failed to resign by the March 31 deadline. His media aide, Bolaji Tunji, dismissed a purported resignation letter circulating on social media as fake news, confirming that the minister remains in office and continues his duties.
Adelabu had expressed confidence in his candidacy, stating in October 2025, I have been on this journey for a while now. But this 2027, God has shown that it's my turn. However, during a recent press briefing, he declined to comment on his plans, asking journalists to await the deadline. Reports suggest that Adelabu was assessing political realignments in Oyo State, with indications that support within the APC may be shifting towards Senator Sharafadeen Alli, and President Tinubu has not publicly endorsed Adelabu.
APC Stakeholders Debate Campaign Structure for Tinubu's Re-election
As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, allies of President Bola Tinubu are engaged in early consultations on the composition of his re-election campaign team. Stakeholders have expressed reservations about proposals to appoint Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Ezenwo Nyesom Wike as Director General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation. Northern stakeholders, in particular, oppose making a non-APC member the campaign head, insisting that the DG should come from within the party, preferably from the state governors' caucus.
Potential candidates from the North include Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari and Senator Danjuma Goje, though some suggest the role should go to North Central, as in the 2023 campaign. Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is also mentioned, but he is unlikely to take a position without approval from Vice President Kashim Shettima. APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka denied that the party is compiling names for the campaign organisation, stating that the nomination process has not yet begun.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, party primaries are scheduled from April 23 to May 30, 2026, with candidate submissions due by July 11 for presidential and National Assembly elections and August 8 for governorship and state assembly contests. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly races are set to commence on August 19, 2026.
Implications for Tinubu's Cabinet and Electoral Strategy
The resignation of Minister Saidu Alkali and the shelved ambition of Minister Adebayo Adelabu highlight the impact of electoral regulations on political appointees. With only Alkali resigning by the deadline, it appears many cabinet members have postponed or abandoned their political aspirations, potentially stabilizing Tinubu's administration ahead of the 2027 elections. The ongoing debates over campaign leadership reflect broader strategic considerations within the APC, as the party seeks to consolidate support across regions for Tinubu's re-election bid.
Early moves by Tinubu's allies, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and House of Representatives member James Abiodun Faleke, aim to identify credible figures for the campaign council ahead of its formal inauguration in August. This proactive approach underscores the importance of loyalty and influence in shaping the party's electoral prospects, amid challenges from opposition parties targeting northern voters.
