Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, opening the door for an anticipated bid in the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election.
Tuggar reportedly turned in his resignation letter on Monday at noon, in accordance with a presidential order mandating that political appointees running for elective office quit before the deadline of March 31, 2026.
According to those with knowledge of the situation, the action is calculated to put the former minister in a position to run on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
Just after midday, Tuggar sent the president his letter of resignation. According to a source, he would run for governor of Bauchi in 2027.
In Bauchi State, where battle for the governorship seat is already getting more intense among major candidates, his projected participation is likely to rebalance political forces.
Following a directive made earlier in March, Tuggar’s departure coincides with a larger wave of anticipated resignations within President Tinubu’s cabinet.
All political appointees with aspirations to run for office are have to leave by March 31, 2026, at the latest, according to a directive issued by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The directive is in accordance with both the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) schedule for party primaries prior to the 2027 general elections and Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
It covers a wide range of people, such as directors general, top executives of federal agencies and parastatals, ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, and personal assistants.
Tuggar’s desire to become governor is anticipated to increase rivalry inside the APC in Bauchi, where several candidates are already vying for the party’s ticket.
According to a state source, his status as a career diplomat and current minister might provide a strategic advantage, especially in terms of political network and national awareness.
More resignations are expected when appointees meet the qualifications to take part in the election cycle, with less than a day remaining before the presidency’s deadline.
