Alkali Resigns as Transport Minister, Eyes Governorship Bid

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, has resigned from office following the presidential directive requiring political appointees seeking elective positions to step down ahead of the next elections.

His resignation was contained in a press statement signed by Umar Alkali Jibril, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Minister of Transportation, and made available to journalists in Gombe.

Alkali is said to be leaving office to pursue his governorship ambition in the forthcoming elections, a move that is already expected to shape the political atmosphere in his home state.

In his resignation letter, the minister appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country, while reflecting on what he described as key milestones achieved in the transportation sector during his time in office.

“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,” Alkali said.

The statement added that the president has accepted the resignation and commended the minister for his commitment and contributions to national service.

Alkali’s resignation now clears the path for his expected entry into the governorship race, setting the stage for what could become a major political contest in the state.

APC Convention: Yilwatda Re-Elected Chairman as Basiru Emerges Secretary

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has returned Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as its National Chairman, while Surajudeen Basiru emerged as the party’s National Secretary at the fourth elective National Convention held in Abuja.

The high-profile gathering, which took place at Eagle Square on Friday night, saw party officials emerge largely through a consensus arrangement endorsed by key stakeholders.

Announcing the outcomes, the Convention Election Committee confirmed that Yilwatda and Basiru were among several members of the new National Working Committee (NWC) elected without contest, reflecting what party leaders described as a unified front ahead of future political engagements.

However, the exercise also produced notable changes within the party’s leadership structure. The Deputy National Chairman, Emmanuel Enekwu, and the Deputy National Organising Secretary, the Hon. Chidi Duru, were not returned to the NWC, signalling a shift in the party’s internal configuration.

The convention attracted top political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, underscoring the importance of the event in shaping the party’s direction.

With the theme “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda”, the convention emphasised cohesion and continuity within the ruling party. It was organised by a planning committee chaired by former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim.

Party leaders expressed optimism that the newly constituted leadership would strengthen internal unity and drive the APC’s political agenda in the coming years.

APC North-East closes ranks in Gombe, elects zonal leaders by consensus

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday staged a show of unity in Gombe as party leaders from across the Northeast geopolitical zone elected a new set of zonal officers through a consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The congress, hosted in Gombe State, brought together governors, federal lawmakers, former officeholders and senior party stakeholders, who used the occasion to project cohesion and reaffirm the zone’s central place in the ruling party’s political calculations.

At the end of the exercise, delegates endorsed a consensus list of officials expected to pilot the affairs of the party in the northeast for the next four years, in a move widely seen as a demonstration of internal stability in one of the APC’s strongest political bases.

In his address, Yobe State Governor and APC North-East Zonal Coordinator Mai Mala Buni said the region remains a critical pillar of the party. He noted that the North-east has continued to prove its electoral value, given the number of governors and influential political figures it has produced over the years.

Mr. Buni stated, “The North East zone is undeniably a significant stakeholder in the All Progressives Congress’s life,” and emphasised that the region would consistently safeguard the party’s interests. He also pointed to recent defections into the APC as evidence of growing confidence in the ruling party, urging members to translate that momentum into electoral victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates in 2027.

He stated that the adoption of consensus candidates demonstrates political maturity among stakeholders, and urged members to unite and mobilise support throughout the zone.

The chairman of the congress committee, Simon Ngwan, said the zone had agreed to adopt consensus as the mode of selecting its officers, a position that was ratified through motions moved and seconded by senior party leaders. Former Senate President Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan and the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Usman Bello Kumo, were among those who supported the arrangement, while Senator Ali Ndume also backed the adoption of the final consensus list.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who delivered the vote of thanks, commended party leaders and delegates for the peaceful conduct of the congress. He urged members to remain committed to the party’s vision and to sustain collaboration to consolidate its gains at both state and national levels.

The outgoing National Vice-Chairman of the APC for the North-East, Mustapha Salihu, expressed appreciation to governors and party stakeholders for the support received during his tenure, assuring that he and his team would continue to work for the party’s success.

In a statement issued after the congress, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya congratulated the newly elected zonal officers and urged them to prioritise unity, inclusiveness and strategic coordination. He said the APC in the northeast must remain cohesive to sustain its dominance and deliver on the Renewed Hope agenda.

Mr Inuwa Yahaya gave special commendation to the new Zonal Publicity Secretary, Nitte Amangal, and the Zonal Women Leader, Lumbi Abubakar, describing them as experienced party loyalists capable of delivering in their new roles.

The newly elected officials include Idris Shuaibu as National Vice Chairman, Baba Ali as Secretary, Tatfron Dauda as Legal Adviser, Nitte Amangal as Publicity Secretary, Joseph Mondale as Youth Leader, Haruna Tata representing persons with disabilities, Lumbi Abubakar as Women Leader, and Abubakar as Organising Secretary.