By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State in the 2027 elections.
The minister’s resignation was confirmed in a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Monday, March 30.
He said, “The resignation of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs is confirmed.”
It was gathered that Tuggar submitted his resignation letter to President Tinubu shortly after noon and intends to contest the governorship seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
The Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, had earlier confirmed Tuggar’s intention to contest for the governorship seat of Bauchi State.
Abdulkadir said, “The minister is interested and aspires to run for the governorship seat of Bauchi State.”
When asked when Tuggar would resign his ministerial appointment, Abdulkadir said, “There is a timetable released by INEC that stipulates all the rules and regulations for running; he (Tuggar) will adhere to this.”
Tuggar’s resignation follows a presidential directive issued earlier in March, which directed all political appointees seeking elective positions to resign by March 31.
The directive was issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and applies to ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, and heads of federal agencies.
It is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and is aimed at preventing conflicts of interest as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
Tuggar hails from Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State and had previously contested for the state’s governorship position.
He is a diplomat, policymaker, and political figure who was appointed as minister by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.
Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.
Tuggar’s political career includes serving as a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing the Gamawa Constituency in Bauchi State.
From 2017 to 2023, Tuggar served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, where he played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade cooperation, and promoting Nigeria’s interests in Europe.
