Yusuf Tuggar to resign as foreign minister ahead of Bauchi governorship bid

Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is set to resign from his position as he prepares to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.

According to sources familiar with the development, Tuggar is expected to submit his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu on Monday as part of plans to pursue his political ambition under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move positions him among several political appointees expected to exit their current roles to participate in the upcoming electoral cycle.

A source close to the minister confirmed that his resignation is directly linked to his intention to contest in the Bauchi governorship race in 2027.

Resignation linked to the electoral act and inec timetable

The development follows an earlier directive issued by the Tinubu administration requiring all political appointees seeking elective office to step down from their positions.

The directive, communicated through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, mandates affected officials to resign on or before March 31, 2026.

It aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of party primaries for the 2027 general elections.

The order applies broadly to ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, and heads of government agencies intending to contest.

Tuggar’s planned exit underscores the early political realignments already taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections, as key figures begin positioning themselves for state and national contests.

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