Tuggar Set to Resign as Foreign Affairs Minister, Eyes Bauchi Governorship

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is expected to resign from his position in the coming days as he prepares to join the race for the Bauchi State governorship ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Multiple sources familiar with the development disclosed that the minister has concluded consultations with key political stakeholders within and outside Bauchi State and is now set to formally declare his ambition.

The anticipated resignation is in compliance with a directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mandating all political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 elections to step down from their current roles on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive, according to officials, is aimed at ensuring transparency, preventing conflict of interest, and allowing aspiring candidates to focus fully on their political campaigns without the influence of public office.

The announcement was conveyed in an official statement by Dewan Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), who emphasized that the policy applies to all categories of political appointees.

Tuggar, a seasoned diplomat and politician, previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany before his appointment as foreign affairs minister. Since assuming office, he has played a visible role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, strengthening bilateral relations, and representing the country at key international forums.

His expected entry into the Bauchi governorship race is already generating political conversations within the state, with analysts predicting a potentially competitive contest among major political actors ahead of 2027.

Although the minister has yet to make an official public declaration, close associates suggest that preparations are in top gear, with campaign structures gradually being put in place.

Observers note that the coming weeks will be critical, as more appointees across the country may also resign in line with the presidential directive, signaling the early start of political realignments ahead of the next general elections.