Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has stepped down from his position to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resignation was confirmed in a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who noted that Tuggar complied with a directive from the presidency.
According to the statement, Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, just hours before the March 31 deadline set by President Bola Tinubu for political appointees seeking elective office.
The directive, issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, requires all appointees who intend to contest the 2027 elections to vacate their positions ahead of party primaries.
Officials say the move aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Tuggar, a member of the All Progressives Congress, was appointed foreign affairs minister in August 2023 and served as Nigeria’s chief diplomat during a period shaped by shifting global alliances, regional security challenges, and economic diplomacy efforts.
During his tenure, he was regarded as strengthening Nigeria’s engagement on the international stage, particularly in bilateral relations and investment-driven diplomacy.
With his resignation, attention now shifts to his expected entry into the Bauchi governorship race, as political alignments continue to build ahead of 2027.
