President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Sa’idu Alkali, at the State House, Abuja, ahead of the resignation deadline set for cabinet members with political ambitions.

Alkali is among ministers who have stepped down to pursue elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, in compliance with a Federal Government directive.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the closed-door meeting was “linked to his resignation and next political move in Gombe State”.

The former minister is reportedly eyeing the Gombe State governorship race in the next electoral cycle.

He joins a growing list of former cabinet members who have resigned for similar reasons, including Amb. Yusuf Tuggar of Bauchi State and Dr. Yusuf Sununu of Kebbi State.

The Federal Government, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had directed ministers with political ambitions to resign on or before Tuesday, March 31.

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

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

NAN gathered that the discussions may have centred on evolving political dynamics in Jigawa State ahead of the 2027 elections.

The visit also appeared to dispel speculation about Badaru’s alleged plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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

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

The series of meetings underscores the need for national cohesion and ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.