Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has stepped down from his position in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he prepares to pursue the Bauchi State governorship ahead of the 2027 elections.
The resignation was officially confirmed on Monday by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Reports indicate that Tuggar submitted his resignation letter to the president shortly after midday.
Sources suggest the former minister is set to contest the Bauchi governorship under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling an early move in the build-up to the next general elections.
His decision follows a recent directive from the presidency mandating all political appointees with ambitions for elective office to vacate their positions.
Order From Above
The instruction, communicated through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, sets March 31, 2026, as the deadline for compliance.
The order affects a wide range of office holders, including ministers, advisers, assistants, and heads of federal agencies.
It aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which seeks to eliminate conflicts of interest as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Tuggar’s exit marks one of the first high-profile resignations in response to the directive, underscoring the shifting political landscape as aspirants begin to position themselves for upcoming contests.