The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signalling his intention to contest the Bauchi State governorship election in 2027.
Tuggar reportedly submitted his resignation letter around noon on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive mandating political appointees seeking elective office to step down before the March 31, 2026 deadline.
Sources close to the development described the move as strategic, positioning the former minister to pursue his ambition under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
“He submitted his resignation shortly after noon and is set to contest the Bauchi governorship election in 2027,” a source disclosed.
His expected entry into the race is likely to reshape the political landscape in Bauchi State, where competition among aspirants has already intensified.
The resignation comes amid a wave of expected exits from the Federal Executive Council, following an earlier directive issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The directive requires all political appointees with electoral ambitions to resign on or before March 31, 2026, in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
It affects ministers, advisers, assistants, and heads of federal agencies and parastatals intending to participate in the 2027 general elections.
Tuggar’s governorship bid is expected to heighten internal contest within the APC in Bauchi, as multiple aspirants jostle for the party’s ticket.
A source in the state noted that his experience as a serving minister and career diplomat could provide a significant edge, particularly in terms of national visibility and political networks.
With less than 24 hours to the deadline, more resignations are anticipated as affected officials move to comply with the directive.
