Alhaji Aminu Alkali, the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, has made a quiet return to Jalingo, the state capital, after an extended absence of approximately eight months due to health issues.
The unannounced arrival, reported by Daily Trust on August 26, 2025, has sparked renewed discussions about his role in the state administration under Governor Agbu Kefas.
Sources close to the government revealed that Alkali arrived from Abuja via Yola Airport and was immediately escorted to his official residence at the Government House in a convoy of four vehicles.
A short video clip of the deputy governor circulating on social media confirmed his presence, though no official statement has been issued by the state government.
An official from Alkali's office, speaking anonymously, told Daily Trust that the deputy governor briefly visited his office on August 26, meeting with some senior officers before departing.
Alkali, who was elected alongside Governor Kefas in 2023, was last seen performing official duties eight months ago.
Reports indicate he suffered a stroke in late 2024, initially receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Abuja before being airlifted to Egypt for advanced care.
Although he reportedly returned to Nigeria in May 2025 for further recovery, he has remained out of the public eye, leading to widespread speculation about his health and capacity to resume duties.
His prolonged absence has fueled political tensions in Taraba, with opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticizing the government for what they describe as a constitutional violation.
The APC has called for Alkali to resign honorably if unable to perform, allowing for a replacement from his community to maintain ethnic balance.
Critics, including constitutional experts, have questioned the sustainability of running the state without an active deputy, arguing it undermines governance stability.
In July 2025, Governor Kefas appointed Emmanuel Lawson, a deputy chief of staff, to oversee the deputy governor's office, a move decried as inadequate and unconstitutional by some stakeholders.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yusuf Sanda, confirmed he was unaware of the return in advance, stating no official briefing had been provided.
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