MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, setting the stage for his anticipated bid in the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
News Point Nigeria gathered that Tuggar submitted his resignation letter on Monday around noon, in compliance with a presidential directive mandating political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down before the March 31, 2026 deadline.
Sources close to the former minister confirmed that the resignation is a strategic move to enable him contest the Bauchi governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Tuggar submitted his resignation letter to the president today shortly after noon. He will be contesting in the governorship election in Bauchi in 2027,” a source disclosed.
His entry into the race is expected to reshape political dynamics in Bauchi, where the contest for the state’s top seat is already attracting significant interest from key political actors.
Tuggar’s resignation comes amid a broader wave of expected exits from President Tinubu’s cabinet and administration, following a directive issued earlier in March.
The order, conveyed through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, requires all political appointees seeking elective offices to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The presidential order applies to a wide range of appointees, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, directors-general, and chief executive officers of federal government agencies and parastatals.
The move is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws and preventing conflicts of interest as the political space begins to heat up ahead of 2027.
Tuggar’s governorship ambition is expected to intensify competition within the APC in Bauchi State, as several aspirants are believed to be eyeing the party’s ticket.
A source in the state told News Point Nigeria that his profile as a serving minister and diplomat could give him an edge, particularly in terms of national visibility and political structure.
However, the source also note that internal party dynamics, endorsements, and grassroots support will ultimately determine the outcome of the primaries.
With less than 24 hours to the deadline set by the presidency, more resignations are expected from appointees seeking to participate in the upcoming electoral cycle.