The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has stepped down from his position in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resignation was confirmed on Monday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that Tuggar submitted his resignation letter shortly after noon.
According to reports, the former minister is set to contest the Bauchi State governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
His decision is seen as part of early political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as aspirants begin to position themselves for key elective offices.
Tuggar’s resignation follows a directive issued earlier in March by the Presidency through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The directive requires all political appointees with ambitions to contest elective positions to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
Affected officials include ministers, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, and heads of federal agencies.
The policy aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which seeks to prevent conflicts of interest by ensuring that public office holders do not use their positions to gain undue advantage during electioneering.
Political observers say the move signals the gradual build-up to the 2027 general elections, with more resignations expected in the coming weeks as aspirants comply with the directive.
