Former Minister Saidu Alkali’s Aide Clarifies His Political Stand
A media aide to the former Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, Umar Alkali, has stated that his boss has not abandoned the Gombe State governorship contest.
According to Umar Alkali, the ex‑minister merely boycotted the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary and remains an active candidate.
Speaking with Saturday Punch, Umar explained that many observers misinterpreted the decision to skip the primary as a withdrawal from the race.
He said the choice came after consultations and in response to alleged irregularities witnessed during earlier House of Representatives and senatorial primaries in the state.
“He is still in the race; he only boycotted the primaries. Given what happened during the previous House of Representatives and Senatorial primaries, after consultations, he deemed it fit to boycott the exercise,” Umar said.
The aide stressed that it is inaccurate to claim that Alkali has pulled out of the governorship race.
“He is not withdrawing from the governorship race. This is what most people misunderstood. He is still in the race; he only boycotted the process,” he added.
Umar also dismissed rumours that the former minister is planning to leave the ruling party.
“No, he is not quitting the party. He is still in the APC,” he affirmed.
He emphasized that Alkali remains loyal to the APC leadership and to the President Bola Tinubu‑led administration.
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